Romans 12:8: He who exhorts, in exhortation.
Then there is the grace of exhortation: “If it is encouraging, let him encourage” (v. 8a). The root idea is “to come alongside and encourage.” I see this exemplified every time my church has a roller skating party, and the parents put their little ones on skates for the first time. Mom and Dad skate with their child, holding on to his or her hands, sometimes with the child’s feet on the ground and sometimes in the air. But all the time the parents are alongside encouraging. Exhortation can take many forms—warning, advice, counsel, encouragement. It is a wonderful gift, and we are to place it at Christ’s feet and be willing to be worn out in its use. 1
Application
- Who will you “come alongside of” today and drop a word of encouragement upon their heart?
- The difference between failure and success can be encouragement from the right person. Perhaps you are that person.
Prayer
Lord, thank You, because You always encourage me with Your timely word.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.