| THE GIFT OF EXHORTATION Definition: the ability to offer words of wisdom and to encourage personal progress. Character who illustrates this gift: Paul. Scriptural guidelines for exhorters: Rom. 12:12; Heb. 3:13; Heb. 10:25. Characteristics: 1. Identifies immediately with other people's problems and is quick to see root problems. 2. Knows how best to get the job of helping or ministering done. 3. Dislikes details, meetings, and organizational structure. 4. Understands why problems exist. 5. Would rather help one person than a group of people. 6. Has a great deal of confidence in principles. 7. Loves to encourage others to live victoriously. 8. Wants a visible response when speaking or teaching. 9. Prefers to apply truth rather than research it. 10. Loves to prescribe precise steps of action to aid personal ministries. 11. Wants to work and share face to face with people. (See II Tim. 1:4; I Thes. 2:11-12) 12. Finds truth in experience and then validates it with Scripture. 13. Loves to do personal counseling. 14. Is fluent in communication. 15. Sees trials as opportunities to produce personal growth. (see 11 Cor. 12:9) 16. Accepts others without -judging them. 17. Is loved because of his positive attitude. 18. Prefers to witness with his life rather than through verbal witnessing. 19. Wants to clear up problems with others quickly. 20. Needs a "sounding board" for bouncing off ideas and thoughts. Typical problem areas of the gift of exhortation: 1. Tends to interrupt others in eagerness to give opinions and advice. 2. Will use Scripture out of context in order to make a point. 3. Is out-spokenly opinionated. 4. May be "cut and dried" in prescribing steps of action. 5. Can become overly self-confident due to his ability to solve problems. 6. May spend too much time.sharing (standing around talking). 7. Has a tendency to hurt others whenever hurt. 8. Feels a sense of personal failure when a friend grieves or hurts. 9. May inappropriately share private illustrations. 10. May set unrealistic goals for other people. Prophecy Service Teaching Exhortation Giving Administration Mercy |