Spur? Provoke? (παροξυσμός)

Sometimes when we talk about encouraging people using Scripture, we actually take it a bit too far.  We say the word “encourage” but really mean a different Biblical word.  We might say something like, “Can I encourage you to knock it off!?”  The Greek word you are really using in this case is more like παροξυσμός.  This word is usually translated to mean “spur” or “provoke.

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV)

Notice that παροξυσμός was translated “spur” in this passage.  It takes us beyond encourage (feel good) or exhort (move in a direction) to a place of really working hard to move someone in that same direction.  The dangerous thing about παροξυσμός (spurring, provoking) though is that it can cause the opposite reaction from what we want.  Sometimes, it can turn people against us.  We see an example of that in Paul and Barnabas’ relationship.

And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are." Now Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. (Acts 15:36-39a ESV)

See the phrase “sharp disagreement?”  That’s the word παροξυσμός.  This level of spurring or provoking split Paul and Barnabas up.  They could not come to an agreement about what to do with Mark.  Paul was done working with him.  Barnabas still wanted to develop him.  So, they parted ways.

Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. (Acts 15:39b-41 ESV)

Even though they allowed the disagreement to cause a division or faction, which God clearly tells us not to do, God still used both teams for good.  What Satan intended for evil, God turned to good. 

Sometimes it is appropriate to be more forceful.  When a friend is standing on a set of railroad tracks with a train bearing down on him, you don’t try to encourage.  You provoke.  You might even knock them off the tracks yourself.  In general, though, we are not dealing with people who are in that level of danger.  We should encourage much more than we spur or provoke.

How about you?  Do you tend to encourage, exhort, or spur/provoke most often?  What comes easiest for you?  Should you be shifting the percentage of your time spent using each of these tools to help others?  Will you?