Exhortation Needed 9 Sometimes reminders are needed for those who may not be doing everything they should or who lack appreciation and zeal for Jehovah’s worship. Christian exhortation is very much appreciated by those who have love for Jehovah. They are glad to hear what Jehovah says and regard it as rich spiritual food. (Isaiah 55:3; Hebrews 12:5, 6) So it is a good service to our fellow workers—and also to people who are inclined toward worshiping Jehovah—to exhort them with God’s Word. Paul himself gave much exhortation.—Romans 15:30; 16:17; 1 Corinthians 1:10, 11; 1 Timothy 4:13; 6:11, 12; Hebrews 10:24. 10 The dedicated minister must know also how to cultivate the fruitage of God’s spirit. It may take much patience and endurance to try to exhort those who do not respond readily. Some could even show a lack of appreciation for the efforts put forth to give them exhortation and encouragement. Nevertheless, it must be done, especially by all Christian elders. The art of teaching comes into play. The more a person uses Jehovah’s Word, the more adept he becomes in its use. When a teacher gets to know a student, he should be able to impart information to that one. Paul well describes the proper method in 1 Thessalonians 5:14: “We exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, speak consolingly to the depressed souls, support the weak, be long-suffering toward all.”
Posted on: Wed, 25 Sep 2013 02:19:09 +0000