“Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.”
if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is to give, then give generously; if it is to lead, then govern diligently; if it is to show mercy, then do it cheerfully. — Parakaleos (exhort, encourage, comfort) invokes the Holy Spirit's function (paraklētos, comforter, advocate). Giving (metadidōmi, share out) is generous (haplōtēs, simplicity, sincerity). Leadership (proistēmi, stand before, preside) demands seriousness (spoude, diligence, zeal). Mercy (eleōn, showing compassion) requires cheerfulness (hilarotēs, gladness), transforming obligation into joy.
Church Fathers on Romans 12:8
“Or he that exhorts, on exhortation.” And this is a species of teaching too. For “if you have any word of exhortation,” it says, “speak unto the people.” Acts 13:15 Then to show that it is no great good to follow after virtue unless this is done with the proper rule, he proceeds, “He that gives” (μεταδιδοὺς, imparts), “let him do it with simplicity.” For it is not enough to give, but we must do it with munificence also, for this constantly answers to the name of simplicity.…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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