ACC ~ Romans 12 v8

EFFECTIVE EXHORTATION. ORIGEN: Exhortation is a kind of teaching or word by which afflicted souls are enlightened by the words of holy Scripture which are carefully adapted and collected together for that purpose. For despair often comes when the tribulations of the soul are too many, and it is not an easy matter to put this right with mere words, however polished and plausible they may be. But if the word has the power of God in it, then it penetrates the heart and offers comfort, giving hope to the despairing soul. COMMENTARY ON THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS.

DIODORE: “Exhortation” means the type of sermon in which we call those who are still in ignorance to faith in Christ. We do not at that point lay out the full meaning of the Christian life but give them the hope that if they believe in Christ they will enjoy everlasting blessings. PAULINE COMMENTARY FROM THE GREEK CHURCH.

DESCRIBING THE GIFTS. AMBROSIASTER: The exhorter is helped in the same way as the above and is prepared by the Spirit to have the grace to provoke, for he stirs up the brethren to do good and unbelievers to accept the faith. The contributor is likewise given a spirit of generosity so that he will not stop giving.

He who takes care of his brethren will receive vigilance and authority in proportion to his faith. … Likewise, he who does acts of mercy according to his intention will do it with a cheerful heart and not as if somebody was twisting his arm to do it. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

LIBERALITY, ZEAL, CHEERFULNESS. CHRYSOSTOM: Exhortation is a form of teaching. … In giving Paul looks for liberality; in showing mercy, for cheerfulness; in caregiving, for diligence. For it is not just with money that Paul wants us to help those in need but with words, deeds, in person and in every other way. HOMILIES ON ROMANS 21.

LOVE ROMANS 12:9-21

OVERVIEW: Love is the fulfilling of the law and the ultimate goal of all our labors. Deep love for one another is the hallmark of the Christian fellowship at all times. Love must be accompanied by zeal and service if it is to be effective. Christians are called to rejoice because of their hope of eternal salvation, to be patient in times of suffering and persecution, and to pray without ceasing. In all these things the eschatological dimension of hope governs everything the Fathers say on the subject. The early Christians understood that persecution elicits spiritual growth, and therefore they ought to bless their persecutors. Christian pastoral care must be marked by sympathy and understanding for others but also by wisdom to know which reaction is the appropriate one at any given moment. Humility and peaceableness are the universal marks of a Christian. Christians repay evil with good and never seek revenge, which belongs to God alone. The Fathers believed that if Christians did good to their enemy they would be shaming the enemy into repentance. The coals of fire were understood as a kind of punishment that would burn away all rebellion and malice and prepare the enemy to receive Christ. The Christian demonstrates the superiority of good over evil by refusing to succumb to bitterness, even when provoked.

Rom