THE GIFT OF ENCOURAGEMENT

THE GIFT OF ENCOURAGEMENT: The gift of encouragement is listed in Romans 12. Romans 12:8 says: “Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation…” The Greek word behind exhortation is: παράκλησις, paraklēsis It means a calling near. The picture is someone coming alongside another person to strengthen, urge, comfort, and help them keep moving in the right direction. Biblical encouragement is far deeper than saying something nice. Flattery can make someone feel good for a moment while leaving them exactly where they were. Real encouragement brings truth close enough to help. A person with this gift knows how to take the Word of God and press it into someone. When a believer is tired, they strengthen them. When someone is drifting, they urge them back. When a brother or sister has fallen, they help them get up without pretending the fall was harmless. Paul did this all through his letters. He taught doctrine, then pressed believers to live by it. Romans 12:1 says: “I beseech you therefore, brethren… that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice…” Paul is urging them. Calling them forward. He is taking the truth already laid down and saying, “Now walk in this.” Teaching explains what the Word means. Encouragement helps the believer obey what the Word says. Jesus used this same kind of language when He spoke of the Holy Spirit as the Comforter. John 14:16 says: “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;” The Holy Spirit comes alongside the believer with strength, conviction, comfort, and help. That is the heart behind biblical encouragement. Barnabas is one of the clearest examples. His real name was Joses, but the apostles called him Barnabas, meaning: “The son of consolation.” Acts 4:36 When Saul got saved and the church was afraid of him, Barnabas stood with him and brought him to the apostles. When John Mark failed and Paul did not want to take him again, Barnabas still saw a man God could use. He gave Mark another chance and helped him move forward. The body of Christ needs people like that. Believers get worn down. Some are carrying heavy loads. Some are scared to step forward. Some need correction. Some need patience. Some need courage. The encourager steps in with truth and strength. They remind the weak believer that Christ is still enough. They remind the fallen believer that repentance is still open. They remind the tired believer that quitting is not the answer. The gift of encouragement is the Spirit-given ability to come alongside people with biblical truth and help them keep walking with the Lord. #MoreJoyMinistries