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.
1. WISDOM
Spiritual Knowledge or Insight
Ability to discern inner qualities and relationships: INSIGHT
Good sense: JUDGMENT
A wise attitude, belief, or course of action
2. UNDERSTANDING
Spiritual Comprehension Accepting and tolerant
3. COUNSEL
Spiritual Guidance
Advice given especially as a result of consultation
4. FORTITUDE
Spiritual Strength of Mind
Strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain
or adversity with courage
5. KNOWLEDGE
Understanding of Information
Condition of knowing something with familiarity gained through experience Fact or condition of being aware of something
6. PIETY
Sense of Holiness
Dutifulness in religion: DEVOUTNESS
7. FEAR OF THE LORD
Joyful awareness of God’s grandeur
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:
1. CHASTITY
Purity
Abstaining from all sexual activity Purity in conduct and intention
2. FAITHFULNESS
Spiritual Devotion
Steadfast in affection or allegiance: LOYAL True to the facts or to a standard
3. PEACE
Spiritual Harmony and Tranquility A state of tranquility or quiet Harmony in personal relations
4. GOODNESS
Moral Excellence
The quality or state of being good
5. KINDNESS
Compassion
The quality or state of being kind
Treating people with respect
6. JOY
Internal Happiness
The state of happiness or bliss
7. CHARITY (LOVE)
Love or Goodwill
Benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity
Generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering Lenient judgment of others
8. PATIENCE
Willingness to Endure
The capacity, habit, or fact of being calm
9. GENTLENESS
Intentional Mildness
The quality or state of being gentle with others
10 MODESTY
Moderation of our Speech, Dress, and Behaviour
11 GENEROSITY
Spirit of Giving Freely
The quality or fact of being generous
12 SELF-CONTROL
Will Power over one’s actions
Restraint exercised over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires
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.
