The Fruits and Gifts From the Holy Spirit and Their Meanings

Blessed by the Holy Spirit, all Christians are given the fruits and gifts that grant us our humanity, morality and ethics. Catholics believe that we are born with the 12 fruits of the Holy Spirit, and that the 7 gifts are first bestowed upon us at Baptism and strengthened at Confirmation.

In this article we will be going over the nine biblical-based fruits of the Holy Spirit that overlap with the twelve traditional fruits and the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, and their meanings

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23)
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing” (Corinthians 12:31-13:3)
“The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him – the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord” (Isaiah 11:2)

The 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit

1) Charity

The Holy Spirit has infused us with the capacity for love. For the love of God and of our neighbor, without the desire of reward for our selfless devotion.

2) Joy

When the Holy Spirit enters us, we come to recognize that true happiness comes not from money or possessions. But by knowing and following Jesus, we will someday be with him, now and forever in Heaven.

3) Peace

There is a tranquility within our soul that comes from our reliance on god. Through prayer and warship we experience an inner peace, and work to spread this peace throughout the world.

4) Patience

By treating others with thoughtfulness and tolerance, we are capable of demonstrating our ability to resist temptation, and the need for God’s mercy and forgiveness. As love is patient.

5) Benignity

Otherwise known as kindness, is the willingness to do more for others then they do for you. Another words the virtue of treating others the way one would liked to be treated themselves.

6) Goodness

To renounce evil and embrace that which is good, as we repent for our sins, and strive to do God’s will.

7) Longanimity

To quietly endure the provocation and attacks of others, through perseverance and patience. This long-suffering is our ability to stay faithful over the course of our lives.

8) Mildness

People inherently have a tendency to be rough, angry and vengeful. The Holy Spirit has given us the moral virtue to be gentle and mild in behavior. From this blessing we drew our ability to show forgiveness, and to be gracious towards others.

9) Faith

Through Divine grace, we are faithful by living our lives in accordance with God’s will, and by committing to the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Holy Scriptures, and the Catholic Church.

10) Modesty

Internally this means being humble of ourselves and pure of thoughts. By acknowledging that our successes, achievements, talents, and merits, are all truly gifts from God.

Externally this means dressing appropriately to conceal our nudity, to speak without gloating or boasting, and to not act in a manner unbefitting of a follower of Christ.

11) Continence

Is to exercise self-control and moderation of all things. By overcoming and resisting temptations of a sexual nature or other questionable appetites, we are doing God’s will. This does not mean to deny oneself of what is needed, but to limit one’s wants, to what is an appropriate behavior or level of indulgence.

12) Chastity

The submission of physical or sexual desires. This means to abstain from sexual activity prior to marriage, as well as to remain faithful to your spouse and not to part take in sexual activities with another partner. A Priest or a religious/consecrated layman would give themselves fully to God. Depending on their particular faith’s interpretation, some priest are permitted to marry and father children, while others are expected to live a life of celibacy.

The 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit

1) Wisdom

The gift of Knowing right from wrong, and of which choices to make in life in order to live a holy life and to avoid stepping off of God’s path.

2) Understanding

The gift of Tolerance, sympathy and compassion for others. The gift  allows for us to comprehend, and grasp the meanings behind the teachings of the Church, and of how to aid others in need.

3) Counsel

The gift of Judgment, Prudence, and Guidance. With counsel comes the knowledge necessary to guide ourselves and others in following the teachings of the Church and to do God’s will. This helps us to make the right judgment calls when making choices to live a life faithful to Jesus Christ.

4) Fortitude

The gift of Strength and Courage that helps us to stand up for our faith in Christ, and to suffer and endure the persecution and obstacles that may keep us from practicing our faith.

5) Knowledge

The gift of Enlightenment that enables us to choose the right path that will lead us to God. It also encourages us to lead others and to avoid obstacles that could keep us from him.

6) Piety

The gift of Reverence and Confidence in God, fills us with the love, and joyfully longing to serve God and the Church, and enables us to see him in all events through a holy life of prayer and devotion.

7) Fear of the Lord

The gift of Wonder and Respect encourages us to be in loving awe of God. Our fear of the Lord is not so much about being afraid of eternal punishment for our sins, but more so out of fear of offending or displeasing him as if he were a loving parent.