“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us…..prophecy…ministry…teaching…Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation…giving…ruling…he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.”
Romans 12.6-8
I don’t know about you, but I don’t think of “exhortation” as a gift. This passage in Romans speaks of it that way, so what does it mean? Ist Corinthians 12.31 “exhorts” us to “…covet earnestly the best gifts…”
Exhortation embodies several ideas. It may be just the encouragement to “finish strong:” To complete the given assignment, or hang in when the going gets tough.
Exhortation is also given to challenge us to reconsider a choice or attitude which may result in an undesired or unanticipated outcome.
Both types of exhortation should be given and received with humility. Christians should encourage one another when we can and challenge when we must. Both add flavor to the ingredients of lives well lived.
