Gifts of the Spirit Flashcards
Gifts of Spirit 01
-Wisdom- is both the knowledge of and judgment about “divine things” and the ability to judge and direct human affairs according to divine truth (Summa I/I.1.6; I/II.69.3; II/II.8.6; II/II.45.1–5).
Gifts of Spirit 02
-Understanding- is penetrating insight into the very heart of things, especially those higher truths that are necessary for our eternal salvation—in effect, the ability to “see” God (Summa I/I.12.5; I/II.69.2; II/II.8.1–3).
Gifts of Spirit 03
-Counsel- allows a man to be directed by God in matters necessary for his salvation (Summa II/II.52.1).
Gifts of Spirit 04
-Fortitude- denotes a firmness of mind in doing good and in avoiding evil, particularly when it is difficult or dangerous to do so, and the confidence to overcome all obstacles, even deadly ones, by virtue of the assurance of everlasting life (Summa I/II.61.3; II/II.123.2; II/II.139.1).
Gifts of Spirit 05
-Knowledge- is the ability to judge correctly about matters of faith and right action, so as to never wander from the straight path of justice (Summa II/II.9.3).
Gifts of Spirit 06
-Piety- is, principally, revering God with filial affection, paying worship and duty to God, paying due duty to all men on account of their relationship to God, and honoring the saints and not contradicting Scripture. The Latin word pietas denotes the reverence that we give to our father and to our country; since God is the Father of all, the worship of God is also called piety (Summa I/II.68.4; II/II.121.1).
Gifts of Spirit 07
-Fear of God is-, in this context, “filial” or chaste fear whereby we revere God and avoid separating ourselves from him—as opposed to “servile” fear, whereby we fear punishment (Summa I/II.67.4; II/II.19.9).
In Practice
The seven gifts are designed to be used in the world for the purpose of transforming that world for Christ. Isaiah 11 vividly portrays what these gifts are to be used for: to do what one is called to do in one’s own time and place to advance the kingdom of God. The specific, personal details of that call do not come into focus until one has realized his very limited, ungodlike place in the scheme of things (fear of the Lord), accepted one’s role as a member of God’s family (piety), and acquired the habit of following the Father’s specific directions for living a godly life (knowledge). This familiarity with God breeds the strength and courage needed to confront the evil that one inevitably encounters in one’s life (fortitude) and the cunning to nimbly shift one’s strategies to match—even anticipate—the many machinations of the Enemy (counsel). The more one engages in such “spiritual warfare,” the more one perceives how such skirmishes fit into the big picture that is God’s master plan for establishing his reign in this fallen world (understanding) and the more confident, skillful, and successful one becomes in the conduct of his particular vocation (wisdom).
