Romans 12:8, On Exhortation
The word “exhort” in the original comes from a preposition which means “to come alongside” and the verb “to call”. Placed together, the word literally means “to call someone to come alongside”. It means “to comfort” or “to help”. Plumer observed well, “Exhortation, cognate to the verb “beseech in”. It is a very general term and embraces almost every variety of comfort, of encouragement and urgency to duty. This is a great gift.” It involves comforting someone who is suffering from some affliction physically, emotionally or spiritually. It involves helping someone who is in some trouble with words of comfort, encouragement, and advice through prayer and God’s Word. It strengthens the faith of the recipient.