What are the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Seven Gifts and the Twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit
Jan 15, 2009
The Fruits and Gifts of the Holy Spirit are supernatural graces given by God to the newly confirmed Catholic; their purpose is to strengthen the faith of the newly confirmed Christian. The Gifts of the Holy Spirit strengthen spiritual relationship: the relationship between God and His human children. The Fruits of the Holy Spirit are meant to compliment the Gifts of the Holy Spirit; they manifest themselves in human relationships.
“Gifts”of the Holy Spirit Connect Christians to God
The gifts of the holy spirit are knowledge, wisdom, and understanding; all of which help Catholics gain insight into the mysteries of faith and help them explain their faith to others. The gift of counsel helps Catholics follow God’s plan for their lives by guiding them to make the right decisions. Fortitude strengthens Catholics so they can hold firm to their faith even when it is difficult to do so, and piety inspires them to love God and to worship Him through prayer, good works, and liturgy.
The final and perhaps most misunderstood gift is fear of the Lord, which, contrary to its name, doesn’t suggest being afraid of God. Fear of the Lord is the gift which gives the receiver an awareness of the greatness and wonder and awe-inspiring nature of God.
“Fruits” of the Holy Spirit Connect Christians to Each Other
The fruits of the holy spirit are: charity- a love for God shown through loving other human beings, joy - the happiness that comes from living a life which has God at its core, and peace - the blessing of inner calm in spite of life’s difficulties. Benignity and kindness are the gifts of having concern and empathy toward others, goodness helps Catholics to live justly and treat others fairly, and continence is the gift of moderation because too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Mildness helps Catholics to be gentle with both their words and actions and fidelity nurtures and supports a loyalty to God, family and community.
The oddly-named gift of long-suffering is the gift which gives patience to those who are in physical or emotional pain and helps them endure their trial with faith and hope even when all feels hopeless. As its name implies, the gift of modesty is a reminder to respect one’s own body and the bodies of others by dressing and behaving appropriately, not immoderately. Modesty’s sister gift, chastity, gives control over sexual impulsiveness and instills a healthy and respectful attitude towards the sexuality of others.
The Gifts that Keep on Giving
Although the Fruits and Gifts of the Holy Spirit are given as initiation gifts to new Catholics, their power and influence remain strong and ever-present throughout the receiver's life. The Fruits and Gifts of the Holy Spirit enable Catholics everywhere continue the work of Christ: loving God, spreading His word, healing what is broken, and helping each other.
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