Greetings:
“…if exhorting, in exhortation; giving, with generosity; leading, with diligence; showing mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:8 (HCSB).
The next four days we will muse over the four gifts mentioned in this verse. The gifts are given freely by God to enable us to do His work. This passage in Romans 12 is not a definitive or complete list of the gifts that God bestows. Let’s look at the first listed – exhortation.
Interestingly, the Greek word used here is the same root word that Jesus uses in John 16 when He describes the Holy Spirit’s ministry. The word means, “to encourage, to strengthen, to instruct, to teach, to come along side of.” This is not the same as the gift of mercy. In this case, God has bestowed the ability upon a person to teach and instruct in the proper way of Christian living. They bring consolation and comfort to those who need to be strengthened in their walk with Christ. This is not a condemning approach – it is an encouraging walk along side of someone. It is a counselor.
Today, has God placed people in your path that need to be lifted up, strengthened, encouraged? Do they need someone to walk with them? Let God work through you to be the counselor of someone who needs encouragement today.
For Kingdom Education,
Doc
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