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The gift of encouragement is a good compliment to the gift of prophecy. Once you understand the prophet’s message of where you are, you need encouragement to make it through the process. Barnabas, which means the Son of Encouragement, was a good partner for Paul. When Paul poured out the truth, Barnabas helped the people apply the truth to their lives. He helped people when they fell down (remember John Mark?) and certainly helped answer their questions when they were confused.
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“. . . if it is encouraging, let him encourage . . . ” (Romans 12:8)
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One proven method of encouragement is through accountability. After earning the trust of another, you can ask the hard questions and so spur each other on to love and good works. (Hebrews 10:24) Your investment of time in your own spouse and/or children is a tremendous encouragement to them and to others as they watch your life. As for yourself, allow time and space for the Lord to recharge your courage tanks. When you have been encouraged, you can encourage.
- The gifted teacher is passionate about study, understanding, and explaining. He is compelled to transfer truth to his students in a simple and memorable style. After a spirit-filled teacher has taught, people walk away being challenged and convinced in their minds and hearts of how and why they should become more Christ-like. People are appreciative of the teacher. They stand in awe of the God this teacher has just described. Others’ awe of God is the teacher’s ultimate compliment.
- “. . . if it is teaching, let him teach.” (Romans 12:7)
- Preparation and prayer are your greatest tools if you are gifted as a teacher. Immersing yourself in truth, struggling with truth, and living out truth in your own life are prerequisites to being effective. Knowing your audience is critical. Truth needs to be packaged differently for different people. The best teachers teach out of brokenness, from their own failures, and as a fellow learner. Satan trembles and God is glorified when this type of teacher teaches!
- Service is often the unseen gift. It operates behind the scenes, making sure everything is taken care of. If you are gifted with service, you are looking for a need to be met. No task is too menial, and no challenge is too big. While others may be tentative, you lead the way by taking the initiative. You are not afraid of failure because you will keep serving until the job gets done.
- “If it is serving, let him serve . . .” (Romans 12:7)
- If this is your gift, you have a few challenges to face. One challenge is to keep from over-committing. Relationships and/or your health suffer when you don’t make room for margin in your life, and the quality of your work may actually suffer. Another challenge is your need for affirmation. You need to remember Paul’s admonition, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men . . . .” (Colossians 3:23)
- Working to please God will protect you from disappointment. Any validation you receive from others will then be like “gravy.” My motivation, which I assume is also yours, is to one day hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)
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