Explaining The Traditional Gifts Of The Holy Spirit

Created in Canva-Holy Spirit surrounded by His Gifts!

Last week I shared the Fruits of the Holy Spirit in my column entitled, “ Do You Desire the Fruits of the Holy Spirit.” I may have put the cart before the horse, so to speak! Afterall, the Fruits come from the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 12:7-11 talks about these gifts (www.usccb.org):

“To each individual, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.

To one is given through the Spirit the expression of wisdom; to another the expression of knowledge according to the same Spirit;

to another faith by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit;

to another mighty deeds; to another prophecy; to another discernment of spirits; to another varieties of tongues; to another interpretation of tongues.

But one and the same Spirit produces all of these, distributing them individually to each person as he wishes.”

These nine gifts are often simply referred to as Wisdom, Knowledge, Faith, Healing, Miracles, Prophecy, Discernment of Spirits, Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues

Are There Seven or Nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit?

Most common texts list seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Knowledge, Fortitude, Piety, and Fear of the Lord. I have no theological or laity education that explains this. Although Isaiah 11:2 reads:

“The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him:

a spirit of wisdom and of understanding,

A spirit of counsel and of strength,

a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD,” (www.usccb.org)

From personal experience, many people shy away from the Gifts of Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues. Maybe the answer is that some are combined to make the list seven.

In researching seven versus nine, Catholic Answers provided an answer for me, well, all of us. The Catholic Church has taught the seven traditional Gifts (although nine are also clearly listed in the Bible) as the Gifts received by all Christians. They go on to state that as of early last century, some Protestant Christians have focused on the charismatic Gifts given to particular individuals for the good of the Church as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11. I consider myself more of a Charismatic Catholic, embracing the Holy Spirit. We prayed for Gifts of the Holy Spirit during Prayer Group meetings. I do know that all of the Gifts require a lot of prayer, faith and discernment.

Today, I will focus on the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Knowledge, Fortitude, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.

Wisdom (Gift of the Holy Spirit)

Wisdom as a Gift of the Holy Spirit is an understanding of what is true and right. It helps us to discern from what appears to be evil or wrong, but is actually truly good because the person or thing is a creation of God. We are then moved to pray for or provide help instead of judging and passing along disdain.

Understanding (Gift of the Holy Spirit)

Understanding as a Gift of the Holy Spirit allows us to see as God sees, providing understanding beyond mere humanity. It may help us understand our God-given talents and how to use them. Understanding offers insights on how the Holy Spirit is active in our everyday routines.

As stated in the April 30, 2014 general address of Pope Fracis in St. Peter’s Square:

“understanding allows us to “intus legere”, or “to read inwardly”: this gift enables us to understand things as God understands them, with the mind of God.”

Counsel (Gift of the Holy Spirit)

Counsel as a Gift of the Holy Spirit brings you closer to your conscience. The Gift of Counsel helps you to be directed by God in life’s decisions, many of which affect your salvation. It also helps you to decipher between right and wrong as well as good and evil.

Remember that it is important to stay in communication with God, utilizing the Holy Spirit and the Gifts provided. This will help you lead a holier life.

Knowledge (Gift of the Holy Spirit)

Knowledge as a Gift of the Holy Spirit is the ability to judge correctly the matters of faith and right action. Whereas Counsel is God guiding you, Knowledge is an innate Gift.

“Knowledge allows you to understand the meaning and purpose God has” for you. (www.stjmod.com)

Fortitude (Gift of the Holy Spirit)

Fortitude as a Gift of the Holy Spirit is similar to strength, but more than that, it is faith-based strength. It is the strength to conquer with good over evil. It is the strength to keep moving forward while overcoming obstacles in your path to righteousness.

This article from CatholicWomeninBusiness.com shares how our hearts are made for God. The author further explains that Fortitude provides us with an internal desire to do what is right.

Piety (Gift of the Holy Spirit)

Piety as a Gift of the Holy Spirit is simply revering God with filial affection. It involves worshipping, praying and honoring God. Piety is something we are called to do by our beliefs, convictions and our Baptism.

In the article from fromtheabbey.com, Piety is the Gift that moves us to love God as a child loves his or her father.

Fear of the Lord (Gift of the Holy Spirit)

Fear of the Lord as a Gift of the Holy Spirit is the need to stay connected. We avoid separating from God. This is not the same as being frightened of something. It is better defined as a loving reverence with an eager to please because we know it is right.