Romans 12:8 Study Bible: or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

◄ Romans 12:8 ►

if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

Study Bible

if it is to encourage, let him encourage
The Greek word for "encourage" is "παρακαλέω" (parakaleo), which means to call to one's side, to comfort, or to exhort. This term is rich with the idea of coming alongside someone to offer support and motivation. In the early church, encouragement was vital for the growth and perseverance of believers facing persecution. The act of encouragement is not merely about offering kind words but involves a deep commitment to uplift and strengthen others in their faith journey. This reflects the heart of Christ, who is our ultimate encourager and comforter.

if it is giving, let him give generously
The word "giving" comes from the Greek "μεταδίδωμι" (metadidomi), which means to share or impart. The emphasis here is on the spirit of generosity, which is further highlighted by the adverb "ἁπλότης" (haplotes), meaning simplicity or liberality. This suggests that giving should be done with a pure heart, without ulterior motives or reluctance. In the historical context of the early church, believers often shared their resources to support one another, especially in times of need. This reflects the biblical principle that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7) and that our giving should mirror the generosity of God Himself.

if it is leading, let him lead with diligence
The term "leading" is translated from the Greek "προΐστημι" (proistemi), which means to stand before or to preside over. Leadership in the Christian context is not about wielding power but about serving others with dedication and care. The word "diligence" comes from "σπουδή" (spoude), indicating earnestness, zeal, or haste. This implies that those who are called to lead should do so with a sense of urgency and responsibility, recognizing the importance of their role in guiding others. Historically, leaders in the church were expected to be examples of faith and integrity, shepherding the flock with love and commitment.

if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully
"Showing mercy" is derived from the Greek "ἐλεέω" (eleeo), which means to have compassion or to show kindness. Mercy is a fundamental attribute of God, and believers are called to reflect this divine quality in their interactions with others. The adverb "cheerfully" is translated from "ἱλαρότης" (hilarotes), suggesting a joyful and willing spirit. This indicates that acts of mercy should not be performed out of obligation or reluctance but with a genuine and joyful heart. In the scriptural context, mercy is often associated with forgiveness and compassion, embodying the love and grace that God extends to humanity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.

2. The Church in Rome
The recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the capital of the Roman Empire.

3. Spiritual Gifts
The context of Romans 12:8 is a discussion on the various spiritual gifts given to believers for the edification of the church.

Teaching Points

The Gift of Encouragement
Encouragement is a vital ministry within the church. Those with this gift should actively seek to uplift and support others, recognizing the power of words to inspire and strengthen faith.

Generosity in Giving
Giving is not just about financial contributions but also about offering time, talents, and resources. Believers are called to give generously, reflecting God's abundant grace.

Diligence in Leadership
Leadership within the church requires diligence and responsibility. Leaders should guide with integrity and a servant's heart, always seeking the welfare of those they lead.

Cheerfulness in Mercy
Showing mercy involves compassion and kindness. Doing so cheerfully reflects the joy of serving others and the love of Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can you identify and develop the spiritual gifts God has given you, as described in Romans 12:8?

2. In what ways can you practice the gift of encouragement in your daily interactions with others?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced generosity from someone. How did it impact your view of giving?

4. What are some practical steps you can take to lead with diligence in your current roles and responsibilities?

5. How can you cultivate a cheerful attitude when showing mercy, especially in challenging situations? Consider connections to other scriptures that emphasize joy and service.

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Corinthians 12
This chapter also discusses spiritual gifts, emphasizing the diversity of gifts and the unity of the body of Christ.

Ephesians 4:11-13
These verses highlight the purpose of spiritual gifts in equipping the saints for ministry and building up the body of Christ.

1 Peter 4:10-11
Peter encourages believers to use their gifts to serve others, underscoring the importance of stewardship and service.

Sermons

Christian Humility	T.F. Lockyer	Romans 12:3-8
Diversity and Unity in the Church of Christ	C.H. Irwin	Romans 12:3-8
Churchmanship	R.M. Edgar	Romans 12:4-8
Duty of Teachers and Ministers	H. D. Brown, B.A.	Romans 12:6-8
Gifts of Grace	J. Lyth D.D.	Romans 12:6-8
Gifts, Diversity Of	Abp. Leighton.	Romans 12:6-8
Gifts: Their Divine Source	Bp. Hall.	Romans 12:6-8
Giving	J. Lyth, D.D.	Romans 12:6-8
Giving with Simplicity	H. W. Beecher.	Romans 12:6-8
Giving, a Sign of Perfectness	H. W. Beecher.	Romans 12:6-8
Giving, Blessedness Of		Romans 12:6-8
Giving, Penalty of Not		Romans 12:6-8
God's Gifts to the Church to be Used for His Service	Dean Close.	Romans 12:6-8
Requisites to Faithful Teaching	J. Lyth, D.D.	Romans 12:6-8
Right Proportions of Truth	J. Vaughan, M.A.	Romans 12:6-8
Ruling with Diligence	J. Lyth, D.D.	Romans 12:6-8
Showing Mercy with Cheerfulness	C. Neil, M.A.	Romans 12:6-8
The Danger of Exaggerations in Religion	Dean Goulburn.	Romans 12:6-8
The Doctrine of Proportion	Dean Stanley.	Romans 12:6-8
The Faculties of Teaching and Exhorting	T. Chalmers, D.D.	Romans 12:6-8
The Gift of Prophecy	J. Lyth, D.D.	Romans 12:6-8
The Proportion of Faith	R. S. Storrs, D.D.	Romans 12:6-8
The Proportion of Faith	Archdn. Pott.	Romans 12:6-8
The Requirements of True Religion	J. Lyth, D.D.	Romans 12:6-8
The Triple Lesson	J. Mould, M.A.	Romans 12:6-8
Unity and Diversity	J. P. Lange, D.D	Romans 12:6-8
Unity in Diversity	Baur.	Romans 12:6-8
Usefulness, the Least Christian to Aim At	C. H. Spurgeon.	Romans 12:6-8
Varied Gifts	W. Gurnall.	Romans 12:6-8
Waiting on Our Ministering Needs Extra Grace	C. H. Spurgeon.	Romans 12:6-8

People

Paul, Romans

Places

Rome

Topics

Acts, Afflicted, Aid, Alert, Authority, Cheerfully, Cheerfulness, Comforting, Contributes, Contributing, Diligence, Diligently, Encourage, Encouraging, Energetic, Exhortation, Exhorteth, Exhorting, Exhorts, Freely, Generously, Gives, Giveth, Govern, Joy, Kindness, Leadership, Leading, Leads, Liberal, Liberality, Mercy, Mind, Needs, Power, Rules, Ruleth, Ruling, Serious, Sharing, Sheweth, Shews, Showeth, Showing, Shows, Simplicity, Succours, Teacher, Teaching, Zeal

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Romans 12:8

     5217   authority, in church
     5833   diligence
     5840   eagerness
     8203   character
     8306   mercifulness
     8414   encouragement

Romans 12:3-8

5886 individualism
8343 servanthood, in society

Romans 12:4-8

     4065   orderliness
     5489   rank
     7110   body of Christ
     7924   fellowship, in service

Romans 12:4-10

8210 commitment, to God's people

Romans 12:5-8

3275 Holy Spirit, in the church

Romans 12:6-8

4018 life, spiritual
7028 church, life of

Library

A Reasonable Service
TEXT: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."--Romans 12:1. There is perhaps no chapter in the New Testament, certainly none in this epistle, with which we are more familiar than this one which is introduced by the text; and yet, however familiar we may be with the statements, if we read them carefully and study them honestly they must always come to us not only in the …
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot

January 16. "Prove what is that Good, and Acceptable and Perfect Will of God" (Rom. xii. 2).
"Prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Rom. xii. 2). There are three conditions in which the water in that engine may be. First, the boiler may be full and the water clean and clear; or, secondly, the boiler may not only be full but the water may be hot, very hot, hot enough to scald you, almost boiling; thirdly, it may be just one degree hotter and at the boiling point, giving forth its vapor in clouds of steam, pressing through the valves and driving the mighty piston …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

July 22. "He that Ministereth Let us Wait on Our Ministering" (Rom. xii. 7).
"He that ministereth let us wait on our ministering" (Rom. xii. 7). Beloved, are you ministering to Christ? Are you doing it with your hands? Are you doing it with your substance and with what you have? Is He getting the best of what is most real to you? Has He a place at your table? And when He does not come to fill the chair, is it free to His representative, His poor and humble children? Your words and wishes are cheap if they do not find expression in your actual gifts. Even Mary did not put …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

April 6. "As we have Many Members in one Body, So we Being Many are one Body in Christ" (Rom. xii. 4, 5).
"As we have many members in one body, so we being many are one body in Christ" (Rom. xii. 4, 5). Sometimes our communion with God is cut off, or interrupted because of something wrong with a brother, or some lack of unity in the body of Christ. We try to get at the Lord, but we cannot, because we are separated from some member of the Lord's body, or because there is not the freedom of His love flowing through every organic part. It does not need a blow upon the head to paralyze the brain; a blow …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

First Sunday after Epiphany
Text: Romans 12, 1-6. 1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. 2 And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 3 For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Second Sunday after Epiphany
Text: Romans 12, 6-16. 6 And having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; 7 or ministry, let us give ourselves to our ministry; or he that teacheth, to his teaching; 8 or he that exhorteth, to his exhorting; he that giveth, let him do it with liberality; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Third Sunday after Epiphany
Text: Romans 12, 16-21. 16 Be not wise in your own conceits. 17 Render to no man evil for evil. Take thought for things honorable in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as in you lieth, be at peace with all men. 19 Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God: for it is written, Vengeance belongeth unto me; I will recompense, saith the Lord. 20 But if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him to drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

Sunday Before Lent
Text: First Corinthians 13. 1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II

November the Twenty-Eighth How to Fight Evil
"Overcome evil with good." --ROMANS xii. 9-21. For how else can we cast out evil? Satan cannot cast out Satan. No one can clean a room with a filthy duster. The surgeon cannot cut out the disease if his instruments are defiled. While he removed one ill-growth he would sow the seed of another. It must be health which fights disease. It will demand a good temper to overcome the bad temper in my brother. And therefore I must cultivate a virtue if I would eradicate a vice. That applies to the state …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Sacrifice of the Body
'I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.'--ROMANS xii. 1. In the former part of this letter the Apostle has been building up a massive fabric of doctrine, which has stood the waste of centuries, and the assaults of enemies, and has been the home of devout souls. He now passes to speak of practice, and he binds the two halves of his letter indissolubly together by that significant …
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

A Triplet of Graces
'Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.'--ROMANS xii. 11. Paul believed that Christian doctrine was meant to influence Christian practice; and therefore, after the fundamental and profound exhibition of the central truths of Christianity which occupies the earlier portion of this great Epistle, he tacks on, with a 'therefore' to his theological exposition, a series of plain, practical teachings. The place where conduct comes in the letter is profoundly significant, and, if …
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Another Triplet of Graces
'Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.'--ROMANS xii. 12. These three closely connected clauses occur, as you all know, in the midst of that outline of the Christian life with which the Apostle begins the practical part of this Epistle. Now, what he omits in this sketch of Christian duty seems to me quite as significant as what he inserts. It is very remarkable that in the twenty verses devoted to this subject, this is the only one which refers to the inner secrets …
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Still Another Triplet
'Be of the same mind one toward another. Set not your mind on high things, but condescend to things that are lowly. Be not wise in your own conceits.'--Romans xii. 16 (R.V.). We have here again the same triple arrangement which has prevailed through a considerable portion of the context. These three exhortations are linked together by a verbal resemblance which can scarcely be preserved in translation. In the two former the same verb is employed: and in the third the word for 'wise' is cognate with …
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Transfiguration
'Be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.'--ROMANS xii. 2. I had occasion to point out, in a sermon on the preceding verse, that the Apostle is, in this context, making the transition from the doctrinal to the practical part of his letter, and that he lays down broad principles, of which all his subsequent injunctions and exhortations are simply the filling up of the details. …
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Sober Thinking
'For I say, through the grace that is given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.'--ROMANS xii. 3. It is hard to give advice without seeming to assume superiority; it is hard to take it, unless the giver identifies himself with the receiver, and shows that his counsel to others is a law for himself. Paul does so here, led by the delicate perception which …
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Still Another Triplet
'Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 14. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 15. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.'--ROMANS xii. 13-15. In these verses we pass from the innermost region of communion with God into the wide field of duties in relation to men. The solitary secrecies of rejoicing hope, endurance, and prayer unbroken, are exchanged for the publicities of benevolence and sympathy. In the former verses the Christian …
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Many and One
'For we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: 5. So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.'--ROMANS xii. 4, 5. To Paul there was the closest and most vital connection between the profoundest experiences of the Christian life and its plainest and most superficial duties. Here he lays one of his most mystical conceptions as the very foundation on which to rear the great structure of Christian conduct, and links on to one of …
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Grace and Graces
'Having then gifts, differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7. Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; 8. Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation; he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.'--ROMANS xii. 6-8. The Apostle here proceeds to build upon the great thought of the unity of believers in the …
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

Love that Can Hate
'Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. 10. In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honour preferring one another.'--ROMANS xii. 9-10 (R.V.). Thus far the Apostle has been laying down very general precepts and principles of Christian morals. Starting with the one all-comprehensive thought of self-sacrifice as the very foundation of all goodness, of transformation as its method, and of the clear knowledge of our several powers …
Alexander Maclaren—Romans, Corinthians (To II Corinthians, Chap. V)

"Members one of Another. "
"So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another."--ROMANS xii. 5. There are some moral and spiritual truths which it seems to be almost impossible to impress upon the practical life of the world, although they meet with a sort of universal acceptance. Men agree with them, they re-echo them, they applaud them; they do everything, in fact, but exhibit them as the moving, inspiring, and guiding truths of their daily practice. And among these I fear we must still class …
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

Constant, Instant, Expectant
Prayer is to be exercised in all things, for from its position in the present context we are taught that it is not without prayer that we proceed to "distribute to the necessities of the saints." Because we have prayed for them we are ready to befriend them by deeds of love. If we have not been accustomed to pray for the brethren, we shall not be "given to hospitality"; much less shall we "bless them which persecute us." prayer is the life-blood of duty, the secret sap of holiness, the fountain of …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 25: 1879

Jowett -- Apostolic Optimism
John Henry Jowett, Congregational divine, was born at Barnard Castle, Durham, in 1864, and educated at Edinburgh and Oxford universities. In 1889 he was ordained to St. James's Congregational Church, Newcastle-on-Tyne, and in 1895 was called to his present pastorate of Carr's Lane Congregational Church, Birmingham, where he has taken rank among the leading preachers of Great Britain. He is the author of several important books. JOWETT Born in 1864 APOSTOLIC OPTIMISM[1] [Footnote 1: Reprinted by permission …
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Volume 10

The True Nonconformist.
A Communion Sermon, Delivered Sept. 16, 1866, In The First Presbyterian Church, Troy, N. Y. Rom. xii, 2. "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." By itself, this command is ambiguous. Common sense testifies that, in very many things, every Christian must, more or less, conform to the world. Many of the world's customs are not only harmless, but salutary, beautiful, …
Rev. Marvin R. Vincent.—Amusement: A Force in Christian Training

Second Address.
I beseech yon therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.--ROM. xii. 1,2. I have been thinking about the word in the text, "that"--"that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable, and perfect will of God." This advance in …
Catherine Booth—Godliness

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