The spiritual gift of Exhortation is the Spirit-empowered ability to strengthen, encourage, uplift, reassure, and challenge believers so that they grow into Christlike maturity. Exhorters focus on the spiritual welfare of individuals and groups, motivating them toward obedience, hope, and spiritual perseverance.
This gift is anchored in a deep love for God’s people and a burning desire to see them become all God intends them to be. It is not simply cheerleading—it is Spirit-filled encouragement rooted in biblical truth and aimed at transformation.
Key Scriptures:
- Romans 12:8 — “If your gift is exhorting, then exhort.”
- Hebrews 3:13 — “Encourage one another daily…”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:14 — “Encourage the fainthearted, help the weak…”
- Acts 14:22 — “Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them…”
Exhortation as Spiritual Counsel
A helpful picture of this gift is a spiritual counselor or coach—someone who:
- Comforts the hurting
- Encourages the discouraged
- Challenges the complacent
- Motivates the weary
- Supports the doubting
- Guides the confused
- Inspires the spiritually stagnant
Their counsel is not human positivity—it is biblical truth applied lovingly and powerfully to life’s struggles.
Shaped by Their Own Suffering
A common hallmark of exhorters is that they have walked through significant trials, such as:
- Loss
- Illness
- Spiritual darkness
- Family hardship
- Failure or falling short
- Deep personal grief
Through these valleys they encountered God’s faithfulness—so now they speak from experience, not theory.
Their suffering becomes:
- A source of empathy
- A tool for comforting others
- A witness to God’s sustaining grace
- A roadmap for those in similar trials
Because they have been comforted by God, they comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3–4).
Exhortation for Individuals and Groups
This gift can be exercised:
Individually
Exhorters help believers:
- Interpret Scripture for their situation
- Rebuild after failure
- Make godly decisions
- Move forward spiritually
- Overcome fear or discouragement
Corporately
Exhortation also serves groups through:
- Music ministry
- Worship leadership
- Testimonies
- Small groups
- Retreats
- Bible studies
- Pastoral encouragement
Martin Luther famously said:
“Music is the best solace for a sad and sorrowful mind; by it the heart is refreshed and settled again in peace.”
Music can be one of the most powerful tools of exhortation.
Comparison: Exhortation vs. Teaching vs. Prophecy
To reduce confusion among overlapping gifts:
| Gift | Primary Focus | Tone | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teaching | Explain truth clearly and accurately | Instructional | Understanding |
| Prophecy | Declare God’s will boldly | Direct / confrontational | Correction & revelation |
| Exhortation | Apply truth to life | Encouraging / supportive | Motivation & transformation |
Exhorters take what is true and help believers live it out.
Healthy Practices for Exhorters
To use this gift well:
- Listen before speaking
- Pray before advising
- Stay grounded in Scripture
- Allow space for grief
- Stay humble about your influence
- Avoid over-functioning or trying to “fix” people
- Maintain boundaries to prevent burnout
- Seek mentorship and accountability
- Practice regular spiritual disciplines
A spiritually healthy exhorter is a powerhouse of encouragement.
Warnings and Misuse Risks
Like all gifts, exhortation can be misused:
- Becoming overly directive instead of guiding
- Offering platitudes instead of real comfort
- Projecting personal opinions as divine truth
- Pushing people faster than the Spirit leads
- Becoming emotionally drained, leading to resentment
- Providing correction without compassion
- Using encouragement manipulatively
When rooted in love, humility, and Scripture, this gift becomes a steady source of life.
Biblical Examples of Exhorters
The most prominent example is Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement.”
He:
- Defended new believers others doubted (Acts 9)
- Encouraged the Antioch church (Acts 11)
- Strengthened Paul’s ministry
- Comforted Mark after his failure (Acts 15)
Others include:
- Silas — strengthened churches alongside Paul
- Jonathan — encouraged David when fearful
- Deborah — motivated Barak to obey God
Exhorters often work in partnership with teachers, prophets, and shepherds.
Historical Perspectives on Exhortation
Martin Luther
Luther emphasized exhortation as pivotal for:
- Calling believers to steadfastness
- Providing comfort amid spiritual warfare
- Strengthening community unity
- Inspiring perseverance in trials
His exhortations filled his sermons, hymns, and writings with hope and courage.
John Wesley
Wesley saw exhortation as:
- A catalyst for sanctification
- A means to awaken complacent faith
- Essential to discipleship and holiness
- The engine of Methodist class meetings
- A call to practical, Spirit-filled obedience
His ministry thrived because exhortation met people where they lived.
The Catholic Church
The Catholic tradition teaches that exhortation (encouragement/admonition):
- Is a charism for strengthening the body
- Must be rooted in love and humility
- Is exercised through preaching, counseling, catechesis, and spiritual direction
- Builds unity and perseverance among believers
- Helps guide souls toward holiness
The Church stresses discernment—encouragement must never become coercion.
People With This Gift Often…
- Lift up the discouraged
- Strengthen the weak in faith
- Motivate others to obedience
- Apply Scripture practically
- Provide comfort during trials
- Share wisdom shaped by suffering
- Give clear steps for spiritual growth
- radiate hope, joy, and confidence in God
- Promote unity within the church
- Help others persevere in difficult seasons
Bible References
| Acts 11:19-26 | Barnabas converts and strengthens many |
| Acts 14:22-24 | Paul and Barnabas exhorting Christians |
| Romans 12:8 | Gift of Exhortation mentioned by Paul |
| Colossians 3:15-17 | Paul’s instructions on exhortation to the Colossians |
| Colossians 4:2-16 | Paul’s further instructions on exhortation to the Colossians |
| Hebrews 3:12-14 | Encourage one another daily |
| Hebrews 10:24-25 | Spur one another to love and good deeds |
| 1 Peter 5:6-9, 12 | God will restore you and your brothers |
| Psalm 147 | Praise of God |
The Spiritual Gifts Project is always looking for personal perspective about the spiritual gifts. If you would like to share your experiences and help further all of our understanding about a particular spiritual gift, please visit our feedback page.
- Stanley, 55-69
Other Gifts
- Spiritual Gift of Knowledge
- Spiritual Gift of Discernment (Distinguishing of Spirits)
- Spiritual Gift of Faith
- Spiritual Gift of Miracles
- Spiritual Gift of Tongues
- Spiritual Gift of Helping
- Spiritual Gift of Healing
- Spiritual Gift of Compassion and Mercy
- Spiritual Gift of Giving
- Spiritual Gift of Servanthood
- Spiritual Gift of Leadership
- Spiritual Gift of Wisdom
- Spiritual Gift of Administration
