Exhortation

Imagine an experienced guide taking a group of hikers up a mountain. Their goal is to reach the summit safely. The guide helps the hikers to know where they are so they don’t get lost. Along the path, the guide gives advice to the hikers about how to avoid dangers and overcome difficult terrain. He makes sure they are taking proper safety precautions. And when the hikers are tired and weary, the guide encourages them to keep going, saying, “The view from the summit will be worth all the effort! Don’t give up!”

This is exhortation!

The Greek word for exhortation is paraklesis. It is also translated as encouragement, teaching, comfort, admonishment (correction) and appeal. Indeed, exhortation encompasses all those things. Exhortation is often understood as a way to uplift or help someone to continue by pointing out the positive, as well as by guiding and correcting.

As people of God, we are called to give exhortation to each other. The author of Hebrews describes the book as a ‘word of exhortation’ (Hebrews 13:22). Paul also uses the word paraklesis 19 times in his letters. This is because, in his letters, he gives a lot of correction and warning; he speaks truth to strengthen his readers in areas where they are weak; he warns them about situations that may be harmful to them.

Exhortation can sometimes be difficult to hear, but it is always for our good. We need it to grow so we become the person God wants us to be. Can you imagine what would happen if the hikers didn’t like the exhortation of their guide and decided to ignore it?

The reason Paul was able to give strong exhortations in his letters was because of the relationships that he had built with the churches. What about us? Are we taking the time to build relationships and really understand and support each other so that, when the time comes, we could give exhortations that would encourage, teach, comfort, strengthen, and correct?

In our devotion this month, we will look at several key passages about paraklesis and consider how we can incorporate exhortation into our work, ministry, and relationships at RW.