The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
I never have been blessed with being able to speak in tongues or been slain in the Spirit, but I am very much interested in the topic of how the Holy Spirit is revealed through us. I often think a "turn off" point to those learning about Christianity is this topic because of how its been portrayed in the media as something "crazy people" do. I truly believe that its something that has to be personally experienced to be understood. I did not understand until I experienced the Spirit entering in me, but while I may not speak in tongues or other more discussed gifts of the Spirit, I have found other ways the Spirit works in me.
I wanted to bring up the seven "gifts" of the Spirit--- I'm not sure if ALL Christian churches believe in these gifts, but I think it may be empowering to Sisters and Brothers to know this is the Holy Spirit working in you even if you don't speak in tongues, etc.
I liked how Wikipedia defined each of the gifts:
Perhaps believers would be willing to share how the Spirit has blessed them with a gift listed above.
I never have been blessed with being able to speak in tongues or been slain in the Spirit, but I am very much interested in the topic of how the Holy Spirit is revealed through us. I often think a "turn off" point to those learning about Christianity is this topic because of how its been portrayed in the media as something "crazy people" do. I truly believe that its something that has to be personally experienced to be understood. I did not understand until I experienced the Spirit entering in me, but while I may not speak in tongues or other more discussed gifts of the Spirit, I have found other ways the Spirit works in me.
I wanted to bring up the seven "gifts" of the Spirit--- I'm not sure if ALL Christian churches believe in these gifts, but I think it may be empowering to Sisters and Brothers to know this is the Holy Spirit working in you even if you don't speak in tongues, etc.
I liked how Wikipedia defined each of the gifts:
- Wisdom - With the gift of wisdom, we see God at work in our lives and in the world. For the wise person, the wonders of nature, historical events, and the ups and downs of our lives take on deeper meaning. The matters of judgment about the truth, and being able to see the whole image of God. Lastly being able to see God in everyone and everything everywhere.
- Understanding - With the gift of understanding, we comprehend how we need to live as a follower of Jesus Christ. A person with understanding is not confused by all the conflicting messages in our culture about the right way to live. The gift of understanding perfects a person's speculative reason in the apprehension of truth. It is the gift whereby self-evident principles are known, Aquinas writes.[4]
- Counsel (right judgment) - With the gift of right judgment, we know the difference between right and wrong, and we choose to do what is right. A person with right judgment avoids sin and lives out the values taught by Jesus. The gift of truth that allows the person to respond prudently, and happily to believe our Christ the Lord
- Fortitude (courage) - With the gift of courage, we overcome our fear and are willing to take risks as a follower of Jesus Christ. A person with courage is willing to stand up for what is right in the sight of God, even if it means accepting rejection, verbal abuse, or even physical harm and death. The gift of courage allows people the firmness of mind that is required both in doing good and in enduring evil, especially with regard to goods or evils that are difficult.
- Knowledge - With the gift of knowledge, we understand the meaning of God's Revelation, especially as expressed in the life and words of Jesus Christ. A person with knowledge is always learning more about the scriptures and tradition. The gift of knowledge is more than an accumulation of facts.
- Piety (Reverence) - With the gift of reverence, sometimes called piety, we have a deep sense of respect for God and the church. A person with reverence recognizes our total reliance on God and comes before God with humility, trust, and love. Piety is the gift whereby, at the Holy Spirit's instigation, we pay worship and duty to God as our Father, Aquinas writes.
- Fear of the Lord (awe of God) - With the gift of wonder and awe we are aware of the glory and majesty of God. A person with wonder and awe knows that God is the perfection of all we desire: perfect knowledge, perfect goodness, perfect power, and perfect love. This gift is described by Aquinas as a fear of separating oneself from God. He describes the gift as a "filial fear," like a child's fear of offending his father, rather than a "servile fear," that is, a fear of punishment. Also known as knowing God is all powerful. Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov 1:7) because it puts our mindset in its correct location with respect to God: we are the finite, dependent creatures, and He is the infinite, all-powerful Creator.
Perhaps believers would be willing to share how the Spirit has blessed them with a gift listed above.