The spiritual gift of encouragement – What is it?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Spiritual gifts are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to every believer for the purpose of glorifying God, strengthening the body of Christ, and helping believers grow in faith, unity, and love. The gift of encouragement is listed in Romans 12:8 as a spiritual gift (NLT; some translations use "exhortation"). What is this gift? The word encouragement used in this verse is from the Greek word parakletos that can mean to help, exhort, come alongside of, comfort, or encourage. The spiritual gift of encouragement, or exhortation, is the Spirit-given ability to come alongside others to uplift, comfort, and strengthen them in faith. Though all believers are called to encourage one another, some are uniquely empowered to do so in ways that have lasting spiritual impact. This gift reflects the work of the Holy Spirit, our Helper, who comforts and guides us, and is modeled by biblical figures like Barnabas, Moses, and Paul. Encouragement can come through words, presence, letters, prayer, or actions—and even listening can be a powerful way to build others up. If you find joy and effectiveness in lifting others spiritually, you may be gifted in encouragement and called to use that gift to help others draw nearer to Christ.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The Lord told Moses to encourage Joshua, the leader who would take the Israelites into the Promised Land: "Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before you, he shall enter. Encourage him, for he shall cause Israel to inherit it" (Deuteronomy 1:38).
• When King Josiah helped return his people to the Lord in the Old Testament, he used encouragement to assist in the process: "He appointed the priests to their offices and encouraged them in the service of the house of the LORD" (2 Chronicles 35:2).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• In John 14:16 Jesus promises His followers, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.” This Helper is the Holy Spirit who comes alongside us to help, comfort and encourage us in our walk with the Lord.
• One of the strongest examples of encouragement found in the New Testament is Barnabas. His name means “son of encouragement.” Barnabas sold a field he had to give the money to the church (Acts 4:36-37). He also encouraged and assisted Paul following his conversion and recommended him to the Apostles (Acts 9:26-28).
• Paul sought to encourage believers through his visits (Romans 1:11-12), his many letters, and his prayers.
• Romans 12:6-8 lists encouragement—also called exhortation—as a spiritual gift given by God's grace. Those with this gift are called to use it faithfully to uplift, strengthen, and motivate others in their faith. Paul emphasizes that every believer should use their unique gift to build up the body of Christ.
• All Christians are called to encourage others: "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Our world is filled with discouragement, loneliness, and fear. While all believers are called to build each other up, those gifted in encouragement have a Spirit-empowered ability to speak life, restore hope, and strengthen faith in ways that leave lasting spiritual impact. Whether through spoken words, written notes, presence in hard times, or simply listening, encouragement reflects the heart of the Holy Spirit—our Helper and Comforter. If you sense joy or fruitfulness when helping others press on in faith, it may be a sign of this gift at work in you.

We can all encourage others whether we have the special, spiritual gift of encouragement or not. We can start with intentionally encouraging other people. One of the most valuable ways to encourage others is to listen to them. In this world of “me, me, me” we often don’t take time to listen to others in need. We are all called to encourage. And as you do, you may notice you have a special ability in this area. You may also notice that your encouragement may take place through a particular means, such as music, writing, or a particular ministry. We must use our abilities and opportunities to encourage and be part of helping others grow closer to the Lord.

UNDERSTAND

• The gift of encouragement (or exhortation) is a Spirit-empowered ability to uplift, comfort, and strengthen others in their faith
• This gift is distinct from the general call for all believers to encourage.
• Encouragement can take many forms—words, presence, listening, writing, or acts of service—and God uses this gift to draw others closer to Christ and build up the church.

REFLECT

• When was the last time you felt joy or fulfillment after encouraging someone, and what did that moment reveal about how God might want to use you?
• When do you find it easiest to encourage others, and how can you grow in your ability to encourage consistently?
• Whether you have the gift of encouragement or not, how can you be an encouragement to others?

ENGAGE

• How have you experienced the power of encouragement in your own life, and what impact did it have on your faith?
• What are some practical ways believers in the church can intentionally encourage others who are struggling or growing in faith?
• What are some reasons God made encouragement both a general calling for all believers and a specific spiritual gift for some?