ENCOURAGEMENT (SPEAKING GIFTS)

The God-given special ability to serve and strengthen the body of Christ by helping others live God-centered lives through inspiration, encouragement, counseling, and empowerment.

People with this gift:

• Are driven to inspire others and impact their lives positively for Christ.
• Rejoice with those whose reliance on Christ has helped them overcome difficult life situations
• Come to the side of those who are discouraged to strengthen and reassure them.
• Challenge, comfort, or confront others to trust and hope in the promises of God.
• Seek out opportunities to help others reach their full potential in Christ.
• Urge others to action by applying biblical truth.
• Motivate others to grow. Are natural encouragers, whether in words or through actions.
• Emphasize God’s promises and to have confidence in His will.
• Rejoice at others’ success.

Traits: Positive motivating, challenging, affirming, reassuring, supportive, and trustworthy.

Cautions: people with this gift:

• Can sometimes be overly optimistic too simplistic or flattering.
• Should first take time to understand where others are and what they really need.
• May want to just say “positive” things to others and avoid being confrontational when it’s needed.

References: Rom. 12:8, Act 11:22-24, Acts 15:30-32