Exhortation Gift

“Exhortation” – The bullseye gift Romans 12:8 “If you have the grace-gift of encouragement, then use it often to encourage others.” Encourage and Direct:

• Motivates, urges, advises • Calls others near to the bullseye • Passionate about obtaining objectives • Built to push through & Press on! • Cautions and entreats – “come on!”

1. Expression of Christ:

a. Discernment of direction i. Luke 14:27 – “Carry your cross”

ii. Matthew 16:23 – “Get behind me, Satan!” b. Call to action

i. John 8:11 – “go and sin no more” ii. Matthew 10 – “as you go, preach…”

iii. John 5:6 – “do you wish to be well?”

2. Strengths: a. Great at “Keeping the main thing, the main thing” b. Are able to get things back on track through vision c. Passionate and motivated – always in pursuit d. Great at prescribing steps and crushing obstacles

3. Weaknesses:

a. Can push others past their capacity with things like, “Pain makes you strong!”, “No excuses!”, “God is Bigger!”

b. Has a tendency to give up on people if they don’t listen or give excuses c. Take on an “I’ll just do it myself” attitude and neglect delegation

4. Blind Spots:

a. Lacking grace for the emotional state of others (other gifts may make up for this) b. Run themselves and others right into the ground – go, go, go, crash! c. Cause hurt to others if they stop caring due to frustration

5. When Tired or Unhealthy:

a. Mental exhaustion can lead to chronic or major health problems b. Argumentative c. Burnt out, relying on adrenaline to get through = affects the brain

6. When Maturing in Temperance:

a. Great at championing others to be their best b. Gives grace to others for mistakes and development c. Spends more time explaining things to others d. Labors well with others who don’t think like them

7. The Enemy’s Tactics:

a. “You’re too tough”, “Nobody likes you”, “You’re not perfect so you should be quiet”

b. Counter this with: John 15:16 & 18, Isaiah 35:1-10

8. Wisdom for Maturity: a. Reset your pace often! b. Understand emotional intelligence c. Be aware of your energy level and the level of others as well d. Take time to fill your tank with what you need to stay healthy; food, sleep,

exercise, down time, etc. e. Engage with people without agenda; laugh, play, enjoy life

9. Function in the Church:

• Arrow to the throne • Call to action with clear steps • Passionate about discipleship • Can be effective counsel for leaders and community

10. Function in the Marketplace:

a. Project leadership b. Networking – connecting people with their target c. Training

11. Wisdom in Marriage:

• REST is essential – (spouses: give space & reminders to rest) • Communicate with your spouse – ask and answer questions; include each other • Take time to slow down and connect; be present - you don’t always need an

objective

12. Wisdom in Parenting: • Be present! Carve out time to listen to your kids, answer questions & connect • Explain yourself even if you don’t feel like it – kids like to know why • Include your kids in projects or tasks that you’re tackling • Be careful of the bootcamp/drill sergeant mentality – just because you see it,

doesn’t mean they do!