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.