The spiritual gift of exhortation is a special ability God gives some to help strengthen weak, faltering, and fainthearted Christians in such a way that they are motivated to be all God wants them to be. The focus of a person with the gift of exhortation is the spiritual welfare of the individual and they illustrate this through their actions and participation in the body. Any other focus is based on human wisdom and need and is not the use of this gift.
A Counselor
A good description of someone with the gift of exhortation is counselor. The gift enables them to discern through the spiritual health of an individual and help them move forward in their relationship with God. They encourage, challenge, and comfort the Christian in their walk with God and are always a supportive, positive voice. They have a divine enablement to present truth so as to strengthen or urge to action those who are discouraged or wavering in their faith. A person with this gift is usually very vocal, generally always positive and encouraging to others.
A characteristic of someone with the gift of exhortation is someone who has come through significant times of their own suffering and trials. This experience serves as both an example and a teaching tool to those the person exhorts. Through their suffering they have grown stronger in faith, closer to God, and now have a keen insight into what others may be going through.
Gift helps Individuals and Groups
Exhortation can be used to affect individuals and also groups within the body. Music is a wonderful way of exhortation to the body and those with a true gift of music are able to move people in a special way with their gift. Martin Luther says of music “Music is the best solace for a sad and sorrowful mind; by it the heart is refreshed and settled again in peace.” (Luther, 447)
Exhortation is a wonderful compliment to a person with the gift of teaching or part of a group learning together. While a teacher will bring forward God’s teachings and lessons in a manner that the group can understand, the exhorter will be able to help the group answer the questions about how these teachings can be applied to a person’s spiritual life.
Martin Luther on the Spiritual Gift of Exhortation
Martin Luther, the German Protestant reformer, placed great emphasis on the spiritual gift of exhortation, which he saw as the ability to encourage, challenge, and inspire others in their faith.
In his preaching and writing, Luther often spoke directly to the hearts and minds of his listeners, urging them to turn to God and live a life of faith and obedience. He believed that this kind of exhortation was essential for helping people to grow in their relationship with God and to overcome the challenges and struggles they faced in their daily lives.
Luther also saw the gift of exhortation as a means of promoting unity and community within the Church. He believed that Christians had a responsibility to build one another up in faith and to support one another in times of need.
One of Luther’s most famous quotes on exhortation comes from his hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” in which he writes: “And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God hath willed his truth to triumph through us. The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him; his rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure; one little word shall fell him.”
John Wesley on the Spiritual Gift of Exhortation
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, also placed great emphasis on the spiritual gift of exhortation, which he saw as the ability to encourage, challenge, and inspire others in their faith.
In his preaching and writing, Wesley frequently exhorted his listeners to turn to God and to live a life of holiness and obedience. He believed that the gift of exhortation was essential for helping people to grow in their faith and to overcome the challenges and temptations they faced in their daily lives.
Wesley also saw the gift of exhortation as a means of promoting unity and community within the Church. He believed that Christians had a responsibility to build one another up in faith and to support one another in times of need.
One of Wesley’s most famous quotes on exhortation comes from his sermon “The Use of Money,” in which he writes: “Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” This exhortation to live a life of financial responsibility and generosity has become a key part of Methodist teaching on stewardship and discipleship.
The Catholic Church on the Spiritual Gift of Exhortation
The Catholic Church recognizes the spiritual gift of exhortation, also known as the gift of encouragement or the gift of admonition, as one of the charismatic gifts of the Holy Spirit. This gift is mentioned in several passages of the Bible, including Romans 12:8, which states, “if it is to encourage, then give encouragement.”
Exhortation is the ability to motivate and inspire others to follow Christ and live according to His teachings. It involves speaking words of encouragement, guidance, and correction in a way that builds up the body of Christ and strengthens the faith of believers.
The Catholic Church sees the gift of exhortation as a vital part of the Church’s mission to evangelize and spread the Gospel. It is a way for believers to share their faith and help others grow in their relationship with God. The Church encourages the use of this gift in various ministries, such as preaching, teaching, counseling, and pastoral care.
However, the Catholic Church also emphasizes the importance of using the gift of exhortation with wisdom and discernment. It should be done in a spirit of love and humility, not in a way that demeans or harms others. It is also important to be sensitive to the needs and struggles of those being exhorted, and to approach them with compassion and understanding.
People with this Gift:
- Come to the side of those who are weak in spirit to strengthen them
- Challenge or confront others to trust and hope in the promises of God
- Urge others to action by applying Biblical truth
- Offers advice, an outline for a solution, or a program for progress
- Motivates others to grow in faith and their walk with God
- Project an attitude of love, worship, and faith in God all for the betterment of the body
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 |
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- Stanley, 55-69
Other Gifts
- Spiritual Gift of Knowledge
- Spiritual Gift of Discernment
- 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
