The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are received by virtue of the sacrament of Baptism and increased through the sacrament of Confirmation. What are these gifts? What are they about? Let’s take a brief look at them.

By Deacon Frederick Bartels
24 May 2023

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. These gifts are initially received through the sacrament of Baptism, for one does not receive the Holy Spirit without also receiving his gifts. Through Confirmation, they are increased and perfected with a fuller outpouring of the Holy Spirit who confers a completion of baptismal grace on the recipient.

Wisdom: As the first and highest infused gift of the Holy Spirit, wisdom makes the human soul respond to God with a love for the contemplation of divine things. It produces both a desire for and deep insight into divine truths. Wisdom directs our gaze to heavenly realities and enlightens the mind in knowing them by virtue of the Holy Spirit’s grace (Catholic Dictionary).

Understanding: The infused gift of understanding goes beyond the gift of faith. The grace of faith is essentially an assent of intellect and will to what God has revealed and therefore applies to what is believed, whereas understanding is a gift of the Spirit which allows the mind to grasp the revealed truths that are believed more easily and with profound insight into their meaning. It produces certitude about what God has revealed, connects the meaning of revealed truths, and provides conclusions about the principles of what is believed (Catholic Dictionary).

Counsel: An infused gift through which the Holy Spirit himself provides counsel and direction to the receiver. Prudential judgments are made promptly and correctly. Divine enlightenment in terms of what to say or do in particular situations, especially in difficult circumstances as in defending the divine faith of the Church under persecution (Catholic Dictionary).

Fortitude: As an infused gift of the Holy Spirit, the gift of fortitude perfects the human (cardinal) virtue of fortitude. Whereas the human virtue of fortitude is acquired and learned, the gift of fortitude is infused by the Holy Spirit himself. The human virtue of fortitude is synonymous with bravery and the ability to combat injustices with persistence and endure suffering well. On the other hand, the infused gift of fortitude grants the person divine assistance, and thus imparts a special, divinely assisted strength of will in terms of exhibiting the courage to endure trials and difficulties even for many years. It entails a readiness and even a happy disposition in accepting and enduring burdensome trails sent by God, such as the experience of persecution or humiliation for the sake of Christ’s name and his Church (Catholic Dictionary).

Knowledge: The Holy Spirit’s infused gift of knowledge elevates and perfects the virtue of faith. Whereas the gift of faith refers to assent to all that God has revealed and the Church proposes for belief, the gift of knowledge provides a person with the ability “to judge everything from a supernatural viewpoint” (Catholic Dictionary). Infused knowledge pertains to the entire scope of created things “insofar as they lead one to God” (ibid). Knowledge allows us to see God’s providential purpose in the events of our lives and the created order. It enables us to easily discern between temptations and the divine promptings of the Holy Spirit. It helps us to use created things in accord with the will of God for their good purpose, rather than perverting them for our own ends (Catholic Dictionary).

Piety: An infused gift of the Holy Spirit enabling the person to see God not merely as the sovereign Master of one’s life, but as a loving Father. It produces filial affection for God and a generous attitude of loving respect and obedience toward him. Piety perfects the virtue of religion, which is giving to God his due (the virtue of justice). It instills a love for those who are specially consecrated to God, such as the clergy, religious, and the saints in heaven (Catholic Dictionary).

Fear of the Lord: Often defined as “awe of God,” the infused gift of fear of the Lord is not a servile fear of God but rather it inspires in a person a profound respect for the infinite greatness and majesty of God. Servile fear is a fear of punishment as a consequence of sin, whereas the gift of fear of the Lord consists in a fear of acting in a way that is displeasing to God along with a lively and firm desire to avoid near occasions of sin. As corresponding effects of this gift, the person enjoys “protection from sin through dread of offending the Lord, and a strong confidence in the power” of God’s help and loving care (Catholic Dictionary).

The question is, how do we unpack these gifts? In other words, what can be done to increase docility to the Spirit and more actively partake of his supernatural help?

Here, it’s important to frequent the holy sacrifice of the Mass, increase prayer time, build virtue, and pray often to the Holy Spirit. Receive the sacraments of Confession and Eucharist frequently. Prune away the unnecessary excesses in life like social media, movies, and an overemphasis on socialization. Spend more time in silence and in reflecting on the Holy Spirit, his divine love, and his majestic gifts.

Offer your life up to the Holy Spirit, with an intense focus on living and acting in a way that is pleasing to God. As Peter tells us in the Acts of the Apostles, the Holy Spirit is given to those who obey God (5:32).