Isaiah 43:2 CEB: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; when through the rivers, they won’t sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you won’t be scorched and flame won’t burn you.”

Matthew 14:26-28 CEB: “[The disciples] were so frightened they screamed. Just then Jesus spoke to them, ‘Be encouraged! It’s me. Don’t be afraid.’ Peter replied, ‘Lord, if it’s you, order me to come to you on the water.’”

The spiritual gift of exhortation inspires you to reach out in love, through presence and encouragement, to those who are feeling stuck or lonely along their spiritual journey. If you have this gift, you may naturally find ways to be attentive to the spiritual growth, longings and frustrations that those around them encounter along the way. Earnest words of loving encouragement often come naturally, and those with this gift often feel compelled to motivate, inspire or provide cautionary advice to those who seek counsel from them.

At its core, exhortation is a relational gift that allows those who have it to be attentive to the situations of those around them and to respond with loving kindness, earnest encouragement, and a heart to see people grow and flourish despite the barriers, challenges and self-doubt they may encounter through every season of life. Those with this gift care deeply about those around them and seek ways to provide comfort, peace, support or wisdom whenever they are called upon. Praying with others, processing complex life questions or simply listening and being a supportive sounding board for life’s conflicts and challenges are all ways in which this gift uplifts and helps create beloved communities that reflect God’s compassionate love. Exhortation can also look like speaking out at a public meeting with or on behalf of a marginalized group in your community.

Some ways in which the gift of exhortation might show up in your spiritual and communal life:

• Volunteering on a prayer or spiritual care team.
• Being a trusted person that your friends often seek advice from.
• Serving as a confirmation mentor or general mentor for young people in your community.
• Handwriting notes of encouragement to those around you who are struggling, or organizing a letter-writing campaign to your elected officials through ELCA Advocacy or a similar organization.
• Becoming a coach through ELCA Coaching.

Looking for more opportunities? We encourage you to reach out to your local synod. Connect, collaborate and co-create with peers through the ELCA Leadership Network.