The Holy Spirit gives us his seven-fold gifts of wisdom and understanding, right judgment and courage, knowledge and reverence for God and his ways, and holy fear in God’s presence (Isaiah 11) that we may live God’s way of life and serve in the power and strength of his enduring love and mercy.
1 Corinthians 12: 4-14
Wisdom (La Sagesse) is the gift of knowing the right choices to make to live a holy life. The gift of wisdom helps us to avoid the things that could lead us away from God.
Understanding (L’Intelligence) is the ability to grasp the meaning of the teachings of our faith. The gift of understanding helps us be tolerant and sympathetic of others. It helps us sense when someone is hurting or in need of compassion.
Counsel (Le Conseil) helps us make choices to live as a faithful follower of Jesus.
Courage (La Force) helps us stand up for our faith in God. This gift helps us overcome any obstacles that would keep us from practicing our faith.
Knowledge (La Connaisance) enables us to choose the right path that will lead us to God. It encourages us to avoid obstacles that will keep us from him.
Piety (L’affection filiale) is the gift of confidence in God. This gift of reverence inspires us to joyfully want to serve God and others.
Fear of the Lord (Crainte de Dieu) is the gift of wonder and respect that encourages us to be in awe of God. The gift of wonder and awe moves us to so love God that we try not to sin.
The Fruits of the Holy Spirit Galatians 5:22-23
Our life truly changes when we exercise the gifts of the Holy Spirit. When we cooperate with the graces and gifts we receive from the Holy Spirit, we grow as followers of Jesus. We see the effect of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives in special qualities and attitudes – called the fruits of the Holy Spirit – that we develop as we grow in faith. The twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit are signs that the Holy Spirit is alive within us, and helping us daily to deeply live our Catholic faith.
Love (L’Amour/La Charite) – We exhibit the virtue of charity, or love, by our unselfish devotion and care for God and our neighbor.
Joy (La Joie) – We live with joy when we recognize that true happiness comes, not from money or possessions, but from knowing and following Christ.
Peace (La Paix) – We are freed from worrying about trivial things because of the inner peace we experience with God in our hearts. We work and pray for peace throughout the world.
Patience (La Patience) – We demonstrate patience by treating others with thoughtfulness and tolerance. We know that we can overcome the temptations and sufferings of life because God is always with us.
Kindness (La Bonte) – We live the virtue of kindness by treating others as we want to be treated.
Generosity (La Generosite) – We demonstrate the fruit of generosity when we are share our gifts and possessions with others.
Faithfulness (La Fidelite) – We are faithful when we live out our commitment to the teachings of Jesus, the Scriptures, and our Church.
Gentleness (La Douceur) – We exhibit gentleness when we honor God by avoiding sin and always trying to do what we know is right.
Self-control (Maitrise de Soi) – We exercise self-control by working to overcome the temptations we face and by trying always to do God’s will.