Romans 12:8

Exhortation (Greek: paraklesis), “appeal,” “encouragement,” “consolation” (compare its use in Romans 15:5; 2 Corinthians 8:4; Philippians 2:1). Teaching is addressed primarily to the understanding. Exhortation is aimed especially at the heart and will. Some have a special gift for stimulating men to action, or comforting them under affliction. This is a gift from God to be humbly and earnestly employed. See on Matthew 5:4.

Giveth (Greek: metadidomi). The term means “to contribute,” or “to share” one’s own goods and wealth (compare its use in Luke 3:11; Ephesians 4:28). Paul now passes from gifts that qualify one for special office in the church to others of a more general nature. The acceptance of Christianity brought poverty to many of the early believers, and it became necessary for them to be supported by the liberal gifts of their fellow Christians (see Acts 2:44, 45; Romans 15:26; 1 Corinthians 16:1; Galatians 2:10).

Simplicity (Greek: haplotes), “sincerity,” “singleness of purposes,” hence, sometimes “liberality” (see 2 Corinthians 8:2; 9:11, 13). The Christian who shares his possessions with others is to do so with singleness of heart (cf. Ephesians 6:5; Colossians 3:22) and not with mixed motives. There must be no ostentation or selfish aim. Such sincerity and generosity are also a gift of the Spirit, whose guiding influence is required for the right use of riches (cf. Matthew 6:3; 19:21).

He that ruleth. Literally, “he that is placed in front.” The word is used in the New Testament for those who are in any position of authority or influence, whether in the church (1 Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Timothy 5:17) or in the home (1 Timothy 3:4, 5, 12). Their special gift is that of “government” (1 Corinthians 12:28).

Diligence (Greek: spoude). Elsewhere in the New Testament the KJV translates this word “haste” (Mark 6:25; Luke 1:39), “carefulness” (2 Corinthians 7:11), “care” (2 Corinthians 7:12), “forwardness” (2 Corinthians 8:8), “earnest care” (2 Corinthians 8:16). Energy and earnest zeal are required of anyone in a position of leadership. These qualities are a gift of the Holy Spirit, and the Christian who has been so endowed should throw his whole soul into the work appointed him.

Sheweth mercy. In this list of gifts, Paul evidently draws some distinction between giving alms and performing acts of kindness. Perhaps he is referring here particularly to such forms of showing mercy as “to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction” (James 1:27), “to bind up the brokenhearted” (Isaiah 61:1; cf. Luke 4:18), to visit those who are sick or in prison (Matthew 25:36, 39, 44).

Cheerfulness (Greek: hilarotes), the source of our English words “hilarity,” “exhilaration.” This is the only occurrence of the word in the New Testament, though the adjective (hilaros) is used in 2 Corinthians 9:7, “God loveth a cheerful giver.” Whether he is comforting the mourner or relieving the sufferer, the one who is “showing mercy” should let it be apparent that his service is willingly and gladly rendered. Deeds of kindness performed brightly and cheerfully are of much greater value than those done from a sense of duty alone. Jesus was constantly surrounded by the suffering and infirm. Yet He was always gentle, kind, and cheerful (see Ministry of Healing, p. 24).

The various gifts that Paul has listed are to be exercised in the right spirit and for the common good of all. The Christian believer will not despise the particular rank or function the Lord has assigned to him. Nor will he think of himself more highly than he should. His aim and joy will be to discharge with fidelity the duties belonging to the sphere of life to which he has been divinely called.