THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: WHAT THEY REALLY ARE

–> The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are properties and perfections or marks and characteristics bestowed by God the Holy Spirit on Christians to make them more open, obedient and docile to his encouragements and inspirations so that while they desire to fulfill God’s will in this life, they may be filled with heavenly joy and assurance of his guidance and help. St. Francis de Sales said that it is best to describe the gifts of the Holy Spirit in connection with the basic gift of charity or love. Thus, we can say that: WISDOM IS THE LOVE that makes us appreciate how sweet and delicious God is UNDERSTANDING IS THE LOVE that makes us attentive to learn the beauty of our faith, knowing who God is for us and knowing God through his creatures and through the events of our lives KNOWLEDGE IS THE LOVE that makes us attentive to learn who we are and who other creatures are in the sight of God, enabling us to know how to serve the Lord better COUNSEL IS THE LOVE that gives us wisdom in choosing the best way to do God’s will and to serve him FORTITUDE IS THE LOVE that makes the heart strong in its decision to execute what counsel (above) has determined PIETY IS THE LOVE which makes everything we do for God sweet, light, and pleasurable because it is an act of child-like offering to God FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE LOVE that pushes us to flee and avoid what is not in harmony with the heart of God. Share on FacebookTweet Total Views: 348