Exhortation

 

    Exhortation is empathetic communication to urge someone to do something.  When applied to the Bible it is an argument or strong advice done in love.  It is a summon to do what is right when it may not be clear what to do.

    Paul gives the church an exhortation on how to work together for God's glory.  The thing is you life is for God's glory or Satan's destruction.  You may think that you are living for yourself, but it is one or the other.  It is never fully about you.  It is important to put life into the eternal perspective and never look down on anyone else, even if their perspective is not like your own.

    Save money according to your income to be able to help people in need.  This goes beyond your tithe which was established by God before there was a church.  This is making sure people have what they need and do not go without if you have it to give.  It is wrong to hoard when people are suffering.

    The church is called to help each other out in times of opposition and healing.  Do not let people live in fear around you if there is anything you can do to comfort or help.  Be on guard while you stand firm in your faith because strong faith does put a target on your back.  People want to see you fail just like they wanted Jesus and Paul to fail.  If you fail, it justifies their life where they no longer need to change and follow your advice.  It takes strength to live by faith.  

    The most important advise is to do all things in love.  Devote yourself to work for God and submissive labor.  We all have to do things that we don't like or want to do, so if you do it in service to God at least it has purpose.  

    You have gifts.  Use your gifts in all that you do.  What you lack God will provide in other people.  It is important to try to work together as a church.  It makes you stronger and more complete.  Allow the Holy Spirit to refresh you when you are burned out, so that you don't have to stop all together.  That means maybe learning management skills, so that not everything is on your shoulders.  It also means supporting your pastors and missionaries, so they can focus on God's work.

    Recognize the people that help you along your journey in life.  It can people who helped physically, emotionally, educationally, or even those that forced you to step out of your comfort zone.  People that made life more difficult need to be thanked too because they do contribute to making you who you are too.  

    Remember if anyone doesn't love Jesus, then they are cursed.  What harm does it do to try to show them kindness here and now.  God's grace is always with you, so use that grace to love other people unconditionally.  Live your life authentically.  It is the best testimony you can give.  

1 Corinthians 16