What is the gift of 'encouraging' mentioned in Rom.12:6-8?

[quietbloke]

What is the gift of 'encouraging' mentioned in Rom.12:6-8?

 

[quietbloke]

'Encouraging' or 'exhortation',gifts a believer to inspire others to do their best. It brings comfort,consolation and spurs others on who need it.

 

[talitha]

Exhorters are talkers - natural preachers. Give an exhorter a platform and a microphone, and he or she will not fail to have something to say. When they are in the spirit, they are walking, talking encouragement machines, and they are the most fun people to be around. But when they are in the flesh, they would just as soon rip you up one side and down the other. I think they invented the parental lecture complete with finger-shaking, and probably that side-to-side head-bob that some moms do..... When an exhorter is in the flesh, he will tear people down with aplomb. So he must take care that his words are actually building up - that is what the word "exhort" means - to build up. "The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands." (Proverbs 14:1)

 

[quietbloke]

Yes 'talitha' Thanks for the reminder that 'encouragement' always builds up and does not tear down.

 

[Biblicist]

I would equate this natural human ability with those who are involved in any area of pastoral care, be it within a formal capacity or even by someone who is able to talk with a complete stranger at a bus stop about their deepest concerns and fears.

 

[quietbloke]

Apostles encourage. Peter encouraged while preaching the Gospel at Pentecost. Barnabus' encouraged the Christians at Antioch. Paul and Barnabus' encouraged new disciples at Lystra. We are all to 'encourage one another daily' (Heb.3:13)

 

[quietbloke]

It is easier to tear down than build up. To encourage others is to build others up.

 

[quietbloke]

How I long to encourage you! God bless you!

 

[quietbloke]

I am greatly encouraged by you all! Thankyou