“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well...”
The spiritual gift of encouragement is listed in Romans 12:6-8. This gift is sometimes called "exhortation," depending on the Bible translation. The original Greek word used in Romans 12:8 for encouragement/exhortation is "paraklésis," which means to "call to one's side" in order to give joy or encouragement, to urge, or to comfort someone.
Interestingly, the Holy Spirit is referred to as the "Paraclete" (Comforter/Helper) in John 14:16, 26, and John 15:26. This is a reminder that God, the Holy Spirit, is the ultimate Comforter who comes alongside His children to encourage us when we're heavy-hearted and to exhort or urge us to walk in the right way.
Teaching & Exhortations
The word "paraklésis" is used in the New Testament several times and carries a stronger tone than simply providing encouragement to someone's who's feeling down. Paul and other New Testament writers often use this word to urge Christians to do certain actions that glorify God. Here are a few examples:
Paul urges believers to present our bodies as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1-2). This means that should prioritize God's purposes and service to Him over any selfish desires.
Paul encourages his fellow minister Timothy to pray for all people, especially for those in positions of authority (1 Timothy 2:1-3).
The author of Hebrews reminds their audience of God's loving decision to make them His children (Hebrews 12:5).
These types of encouragement, which are often related to teaching, are usually referred to as an exhortation. While exhortation and teaching are closely related, the gift of exhortation differs from the gift of teaching in an important way:
The gift of teaching deals more with the meaning and content of Scripture.
The gift of exhortation focuses on the practical application of the Bible.
The gift of teaching says, "This is the way you should go."
The gift of exhortation says, "I'll help you go that way."
Barnabas: The Son of Encouragement
“There was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means 'Son of Encouragement'). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus.”
Probably the best biblical example of someone with the gift of encouragement is Barnabas. His real name was Joseph, but the other apostles called him Barnabas which means "son of encouragement" (Acts 4:36).
Two people that Barnabas encouraged was Paul (also called Saul) and John Mark. Paul had once worked as a persecutor of Christians (Galatians 1:13-14). So when Paul met Jesus and became a believer (1 Corinthians 15:3-8), many other followers of Christ were afraid of him. They didn't believe that he had really changed from his former violent reputation (Acts 9:26).
But Barnabas vouched for Paul and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Paul had seen the Lord and had been preaching fearlessly in Jesus' name (Acts 9:27). This news encouraged the other apostles to realize that Paul had truly trusted in Jesus, thus helping them to trust his word.
Later, Paul and Barnabas went to other cities to preach the gospel along with Barnabas' cousin, John Mark (Acts 15:26). Sometime during that first missionary journey, John Mark left them. Though the Bible doesn't specify why he left, we do learn that Paul must have been disappointed in his departure. Barnabas wanted to invite John Mark on their second journey—yet Paul refused (Acts 15:36-41).
This actually caused a split between Barnabas and Paul, and they went separate ways. Barnabas then left to preach alongside John Mark, and Paul traveled with his teaching companion Silas. Over time, under Barnabas' discipleship and encouragement, John Mark must have spiritually matured. Eventually, we learn that Paul had reconciled with John Mark, because he asked him come help him in ministry (2 Timothy 4:11).
Who has the gift of encouragement?
“Encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
Barnabas was such a good and godly example of someone who used the gift of encouragement to urge others to be more effective servants of Christ (Acts 13:43). But what does it look like for your average human?
Someone using the gift of exhortation or encouragement tends to be understanding, sympathetic and compassionate, good at giving positive guidance, and helps others see the hope in a situation rather than focusing on negativity.
This gift can be used anywhere there are other people—publicly, in smaller groups, or one-on-one. Those with this gift might show interest in serving as a counselor, discipleship leader, mentor, or spiritual teacher.
The gift of encouragement is more than just being a naturally nice person though. This is one of the gifts given by the Holy Spirit to those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior. With this gift, a believer can serve God by encouraging the body of Christ in many ways.
Using the Gift of Encouragement
“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.”
Those with the gift of encouragement have lots of opportunities to change lives in big and small ways. They might offer to pray for someone in need. They might share a Bible verse with someone who's struggling or discouraged. Their friends might approach them for trustworthy, godly advice.
In conversation, they may be quick to share what they learned at church or some applicable biblical principles. They may be drawn to serve as a volunteer in VBS or for Bible studies of different ages, encouraging other believers to get excited about God's Word. They may make a point to smile, greet, or compliment strangers just to improve their day.
If you have accepted salvation through Jesus, and the Holy Spirit has given you this gift, your words and actions of encouragement will be a great blessing to others and call them to continue living in the grace of God.