Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit

Definitions of the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Catholic Catechism 1831 

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit belong in their fullness to Christ, Son of David. They complete and perfect the virtues of those who receive them. They make the faithful docile in readily obeying divine inspirations.

Spiritual Knowledge or Insight


Ability to discern inner qualities and relationships: INSIGHT

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Good sense: JUDGMENT


A wise attitude, belief, or course of action

Spiritual Comprehension

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Accepting and tolerant

Spiritual Guidance

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Advice given especially as a result of consultation

Spiritual Strength of Mind


Strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain

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or adversity with courage

1. Wisdom

2. Understanding

3. Counsel

4. Fortitute

5. Knowledge

Understanding of Information


Condition of Knowing something with familiarity gained through experience

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Fact or condition of being aware of something

6. Piety

Sense of Holiness

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Dutifulness in religion: DEVOUTNESS

7 Fear of the Lord

Joyful awareness of God’s grandeur

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To have a reverential awe of God’s power and might

Definitions of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit

Catholic Catechism 1832   

The fruits of the Spirit are perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory.

The tradition of the Church lists twelve of them: 

2. Faithfulness

1. Chastity

Purity

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Abstaining from all sexual activity

 

Purity in conduct and intention

Spiritual Devotion


Steadfast in affection or allegiance:

 

LOYAL True to the facts or to a standard

3. Peace

Spiritual Harmony and Tranquility

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A state of tranquility

 

or quiet Harmony in personal relations

2. Faithfulness

4. Goodness

Moral Excellence

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The quality or state of being good

Compassion

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The quality or state of being kind

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Treating people with respect

6. Joy

Internal Happiness

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The state of happiness or bliss

7. Charity (Love)

Love or Goodwill

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Benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity

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Generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy

or suffering lenient judgment of others

Willingness to Endure


The capacity, habit, or fact of being calm

9. Gentleness

Intentional Mildness

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The quality or state of being gentle with others

5. Kindness

8. Patience

10. Modesty

Moderation of our Speech,

 

Dress, and Behaviour

Spirit of Giving Freely


The quality or fact of being generous

12. Gentleness

Will Power over one’s actions

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Restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires

11. Generosity

8. Patience

What’s the difference between the gifts and the fruits of the Holy Spirit?

Gifts are freely given and they must be opened to be appreciated and used; they are tokens of love.

 

Fruits must be cultivated and nurtured in order to be developed and shared.