Commissioned: Powered Up: Living With the Holy SpiritSample

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit gives us supernatural gifts, or graces that enable us to live our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. There are seven gifts that He gives to every believer; these are the seven that are named by the Prophet Isaiah when he describes the Spirit that rested on Jesus himself: wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength (fortitude), knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. As we cultivate our relationship with God, the Holy Spirit makes these qualities more and more a part of our lives.

In addition, the Holy Spirit gives various special graces or gifts to members of the Body of Christ, distributing them according to His will. Although these gifts differ, they are all given by the same Spirit and with the same purpose—strengthening the Body of Christ. Among these gifts are special wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, speaking in unlearned languages, and interpreting what is said in unknown languages.

Moreover, the Holy Spirit gives special gifts to the leaders of the Church to enable them to serve God’s people. He equips apostles (and their successors, the Bishops), prophets, evangelists, pastors/teachers, exhorters, contributors, supervisors, and mercy workers. Everyone who serves has the same goal—to build up the Body of Christ. And everyone who serves can depend on the Holy Spirit’s power to do their part.

Stop, think and pray:

What gifts has God given me to serve the Body of Christ? Let’s ask the Lord to give us wisdom to see our gifts and to discern our callings. Let’s also ask others—especially trusted leaders--what gifts they see in us and how we can serve. Then, let’s serve with faith and joy!

What difficult situations are we facing right now? Let’s pray to the Holy Spirit, asking Him to empower us to handle those situations with God’s grace.