Charles Ellicott Commentary Romans 12:8

"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." — Romans 12:8 (ASV)

He who exhorts.—It will be observed that in the apostolic writings, the single idea of “preaching” is divided into its several branches: “speaking with tongues,” “prophesying” (which seems to have referred to the more recondite portions or relations of the faith), “teaching,” “exhortation.” This last form of address, corresponding perhaps more to our word “encouragement,” would have been especially needed in the troubled circumstances of the early Church.

He who gives.—In this and the following phrases, the Apostle passes from considering the definite functions of the ministry to those which were common to all members of the Church; “giveth” is therefore to be taken here in a wide sense.

Simplicity.—With singleness of motive, desiring only God’s glory, and to benefit the object for which he gives, and with no secret thought of self-exaltation. He who gives to be seen of men, or with any selfish motive, thereby exhausts the merit of the act; see Matthew 6:2 and following.

He who rules.—He who holds any position of prominence or importance in the Church. The same word is applied to “presbyters” in 1 Thessalonians 5:12; 1 Timothy 5:17; and to heads of families in 1 Timothy 3:4–5; 1 Timothy 3:12.

He who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.—A happy combination which is an instance of the Apostle’s fresh and genuine view of human nature. The kindness of charity is doubled when it is done in a cheerful and kindly way. There is a class of religious minds which is especially apt to forget this. Cheerfulness is not merely a matter of temperament but is to be cultivated as a duty.