BSN: EXHORT

The Oxford dictionary people say that “to exhort” means “to strongly encourage or urge (someone) to do something.” It goes on to say that “exhortation” is “an address or communication emphatically urging someone to do something.” In Heb 13:22 Paul says, “But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly.” And in Acts 20:2 Luke says of Paul, “When he had gone through those districts and had given them much exhortation, he came to Greece.” In this case, what is true of the book of Hebrews is true of the whole Bible, and what is true of Paul is true of all the men of God who wrote it – that is, they are exhorting us to do right while we live on this earth. Moreover, every parent knows that without regular exhortation to do right, children will lapse into things that are not righteous. Therefore, let us go to the Bible every day looking for exhortation to righteousness, knowing how much we need it to stay on track.