Exhortation is an urgent appeal or encouragement to do what is right. It is more than advice. It is more than teaching. It is a call to action. It urges the hearer to change, to persevere, to obey. It is found throughout the New Testament. The apostles exhorted believers to live holy lives, to love one another, and to stand firm in the faith.

Exhortation is one of the spiritual gifts listed in Romans 12. Some people are gifted to encourage others. They speak words of comfort and challenge. They build up the body of Christ. The Greek word is paraklesis. It means encouragement, comfort, and exhortation. It is the same word used for the Holy Spirit, the Comforter. Exhortation is a ministry of the Spirit.

Exhortation in scripture

• Acts 2:40: Peter exhorted the crowd to be saved.
• Romans 12:8: the one who exhorts, in his exhortation.
• 1 Timothy 4:13: devote yourself to exhortation.
• Hebrews 3:13: exhort one another every day.
• Jude 3: I found it necessary to write exhorting you.

Exhortation is needed in the church. Believers face trials. They face temptation. They face discouragement. They need someone to come alongside them. They need someone to say: keep going. Do not give up. You are not alone. Exhortation is not nagging. It is not scolding. It is encouragement with a purpose. It is truth spoken in love. It is a gift. It builds up. It strengthens. It keeps the faith alive. The church needs exhorters. People who will speak up. People who will encourage. People who will not let their brothers and sisters fall away. Exhortation is the voice of the Spirit in the community. It is the call to persevere. It is the call to holiness. It is the call to hope.