Motivations Of The Exhorter: Romans 12:8a
“8) or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” Romans 12:8
We now come to the forth motivational grace or gift listed in Romans 12. This is commonly called “exhortation.” Those wired with this motivational grace have a desire to see people grow and mature in their walk with God.
Paul himself serves as an example of this gift. He was constantly encouraging people to move to the next level. In 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 he even pictured himself as a nursing mother or an encouraging father in the way he sacrificed himself to care for the body of Christ. Let’s look at some of the strengths and weaknesses of those with this gift.
4. MOTIVATIONAL GRACE OF EXHORTING: Romans 12:8a A. Example: Paul B. Guiding Scripture: Romans 12:12 C. Characteristics of this gift: 1) Committed to seeing people grow and mature. (Col. 1:28) 2) Quickly discern hindrances to growth. (I Cor. 3:1-7) 3) Develops step by step plans to help people grow. (II Tim 2:22-23) 4) Shares personal motivational stories to encourage hope. 5) Can easily turn problems into benefits. (II Cor. 1:1-7) 6) Gains wisdom and insight from personal experience. 7) Seek sincere relational connection with people. (I Thess. 2:7-12)
D. Weaknesses inherent in this gift: 1) Sacrifice family and loved ones to serve others. 2) Tendency to became a “fix it” person in the lives of others. 3) Become proud or take credit for the growth of others. 4) Tendency to start new project without finishing old ones. 5) Turning people into projects rather than sincerely loving. 6) Becoming overly transparent in sharing private stories. 7) Avoid solid doctrine in favor or practical application.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
