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.

'exhorteth' -3870. parakaleo par-ak-al-eh'-o; from 3844 and 2564; to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation): -beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort(-ation), intreat, pray. 'Aimed at the heart and will' (Vincent p. 157) 'If you can encourage, encourage' (Beck). 'the gift of stirring speech should use it to stir his hearers' (NEB)

Barnabas seems to have fit into this category. (Acts 4:36; Acts 11:23) 'The teacher teaches what the will of God is and calls for. The exhorter calls him to the performance of it by inspiring and encouraging and challenging words..this doesn't mean that the work of...teaching and exhorting don't overlap..' (McGuiggan p. 365)

'giveth' -'There is nothing miraculous about this gift...People especially gifted by God. There are many business people enabled by God to make money so they can glorify God through the wise and loving use of their wealth.' (McGuiggan p. 366) (1 Timothy 6:17)

'with liberality' -572. haplotes hap-lot'-ace; from 573; singleness, i.e. (subjectively) sincerity (without dissimulation or self-seeking), or (objectively) generosity (copious bestowal): -bountifulness, liberal(-ity), simplicity, singleness. 'with sincerity' (Lam), i.e. from the proper motive. 'With all your heart' (NEB) 'which does not mean...or anything regarding size or the value of the gift imparted but refers to the giver's own motivation..not covertly seeking to secure credit, praise, honor, reward for whatever he imparts. Matthew 6:1.' (Lenski p. 764)

'he that ruleth' -4291. proistemi pro-is'-tay-mee; from 4253 and 2476; to stand before, i.e. (in rank) to preside, or (by implication) to practise: -maintain, be over, rule.

'Those who take the lead'. 1 Timothy 5:17 has the same word. So has 1 Thessalonians 5:12. There seems to be no reason to doubt that these are "elders" or "overseers".' (McGuiggan p. 366)

'with diligence' -'haste in the good sense: prompt efficiency, no delay, no excuses.' (Lenski p. 765) 'Moral earnestness or vigour' (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 691) 'With the spirit of zealous attention to the work entrusted to them.' (1 Peter 5:1) (McGarvey p. 495)

'showeth mercy' -'if you are helping others in distress' (NEB) (Matthew 25:35 ff)

'with cheerfulness' -'No one should attempt to show mercy in. half-hearted or indifferent way'. (Whiteside p. 251) 'If the one receiving mercy gets the impression the "shower of mercy" is tired of them, they are often driven into deep depression. Be sure you are accepting your limitations before you get involved in serious welfare work for Christ. Those are rough waters!. (McGuiggan pp. 366-367)

'Cheer, like love, must be without hypocrisy, for the one showing mercy has the better end of the blessing (Acts 20:35).' (McGarvey p. 496)