The Evangelist Speaks

by Evangelist Carolyn Griffin

Gifts of the Father
Part 3

We will continue the study of the Gifts of the Father with two of the remaining four gifts listed in Romans 12:8a. He who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; I again emphasize that these are foundational gifts. Our Creator gives these gifts, often a mixture of them, to each of us so that we may lead a purposeful and fulfilling life. These gifts are placed in the church as resources to be used at the point of need for ministry and growth in the Body of Christ.  

The gift of exhortation is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to minister words of comfort, consolation, encouragement and counsel to other members of the Body in such a way that they feel helped and healed. Like the gift of pastor, it is a person-centered gift. A person can manifest it in two ways: (1) in a preaching or teaching context or in a group encounter; or (2) in a private one-on-one situation that meets the specific need of a particular individual at a particular time. The gift of exhortation, however, is different in that of the pastor in that the ministry is not necessarily involved in the basis of a long term commitment. Those with the gift of exhortation become concerned with the spiritual welfare of a brother or sister for the period of time that it takes to help that person, then they move on to another. The gift of exhortation can operate with total strangers or with people that we know well.  As we exhort others, we make an appeal to them to deepen their relationships with Christ and others in His body. Hebrews 3:13 says “Exhort one another daily”. All Christians should have a lifestyle of counseling, sharing, and encouraging one another. But those with the special gift of exhortation should be recognized to the extent that people in the church that are hurting know who to go to for help. The anointing on their lives should also draw unbelievers, who they will then exhort and encourage to become productive members of the Body. When those with the gift of exhortation work with the pastor and other leaders, the church is strengthened and the Body of Christ grows.

The gift of giving is the special gift that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to contribute their material resources to the work of the Lord with liberality and cheerfulness. We must understand that all Christians are to give to the work of the ministry. Malachi 3 teaches about the tithe and the offering. II Corinthians 9 teaches us to be cheerful givers. We are to give as the Lord has prospered us. Those with the gift of giving, give far above the tithe and with great joy. They have been blessed with resources and are willing to share those resources to aid others who are less fortunate. Essentially they give out of a spirit of generosity. This gift is to be exercised without an outward show or pride. Those with this gift give expecting nothing in return. As they do, the Lord continues to give them more, and they in turn continue to give to be a blessing to others and for the up building of His Kingdom. As we give to others, the Lord himself gives back to us through others; good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over. He gives us sufficiency and even bounty so that we might do good works. He multiplies the seeds that are sown into an abundance that we can share with others. Dear God, help more believers to exercise the gift of GIVING!! Unfortunately, many would rather sit on this gift than use it for Your Glory. I EXHORT us today to GIVE CHEERFULLY!!!!