The Gift of Exhortation

Till I come, give attention to reading,
to exhortation, to doctrine.
​1 Timothy 4:13​

Dictionary.com says this about the meaning of the word exhortation – “an utterance, discourse, or address conveying urgent advice or recommendations.” The word used in Greek for exhortation is paraklēsis. According to Vines Expository Dictionary, it means something slightly different - “a calling to one’s side” (para, “beside,” and kaleo, “to call”), and so it is often translated as comfort, consolation, entreaty or encourage. So what exactly is the “gift” of exhortation, and how does one use it?

Biblical exhortation means more than conveying urgent advice or recommendations on a particular subject. While those who have been called to teach often use the gift of exhortation in this way. They use it to expound on Scripture, “calling” on those listening to give urgent heed to what the Scriptures are instructing. But it is more than just a gift for teaching. While those who teach use it to build and edify the church, it is also used to offer encouragement, consolation and comfort. So people with this gift often find themselves in the position of counsellor, pastor, teacher, or even worship leader. They will undoubtedly be on the visitation committee (if your church has one) to visit the sick and those in the hospital. For it is their heart’s desire, their passion, to come alongside members of the church body to lend an ear, offer a word of encouragement or advice, and instruct, using Scripture and bringing comfort where needed most. Those with the gift of exhortation are the “glue” that holds the body of Christ together when it falters.

I have a dear friend in her eighties who seems to have endless energy. She utilizes her gift of exhortation and does it in several ways. Always the first to lend a hand (or an ear) to those in need, she flits here and there throughout her day, visiting friends and family, encouraging and comforting them in their faith. When she was younger (in her 70s), she taught ESL and led a weekly bible study for those ESL students. She has only recently begun to slow down.

If you are down, she makes it her goal to “build you up,” another aspect of the gift of exhortation. I have dozens of letters or cards of encouragement from her “just because.” She also has the gifts of hospitality, encouragement and helps, which complement her gift of exhortation and make her one of the best friends you could ever hope to have. 

She loves to teach from the Word of God and encourage and comfort everyone she meets in their faith. At our church, if you took a poll and asked the ladies who their best friend in the church was – I have no doubt they would all say, “Carol.” For that is how she makes you feel like you are her best friend – encouraged, comforted, edified and built up in the Lord – rightly making use of her gift of exhortation. 

If you love to teach from the Word of God and seem to have a knack for comforting and encouraging others, you probably have the gift of exhortation!