Who is the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit is the third

Person of the Holy Trinity,
together with God the
Father and God the Son
(Jesus Christ). He is fully
God.
Is the Holy Spirit a person or
a force?
The Holy Spirit is a divine
Person, not just a force or
power. He has a will, speaks,
teaches, and guides.
What does the Holy Spirit do?
The Holy Spirit:
•Gives life (He was present at creation)
•Inspires Scripture
•Guides the Church
•Strengthens believers
•Convicts the world of sin,
righteousness, and judgment
•Pours out God’s love into our hearts
•Gives spiritual gifts to Christians
When did the Holy Spirit come
to the Church?
The Holy Spirit came in a special
way at Pentecost, fifty days
after Jesus’ resurrection. The
Apostles were filled with the
Spirit and began to preach
boldly.
How do we receive the Holy Spirit?
We receive the Holy Spirit:
•In Baptism, when we become children of
God
•In Confirmation (for Catholics and some
other traditions), we are strengthened with
the gifts of the Spirit
•Whenever we pray and open our hearts to
Him
•Through the sacraments and reading of the
Word of God
Why is the Holy Spirit important
in our lives?
The Holy Spirit:
•Helps us to pray
•Makes us holy
•Guides us to know God’s will
•Gives us the power to live as true
Christians
•Unites us with God and with the
Body of Christ (the Church)
The Holy Spirit is often represented
in Scripture and Christian tradition
through several rich and meaningful
symbols.
Each symbol reveals something about
the nature, power, and work of the
Holy Spirit in the world and in the
lives of believers.
1. Dove
Reference: Luke 3:22 – “And the Holy
Spirit descended on him in bodily form
like a dove.”
Meaning:
Purity and peace
The Holy Spirit’s gentle and peaceful
presence
Commonly seen at Jesus' baptism
2. Fire
Reference: Acts 2:3 – “Tongues of
fire... rested on each of them.”
Meaning:
The power and presence of God
Purification and transformation
Zeal and spiritual fervor
3. Wind (Breath)
Reference: John 3:8 – “The wind blows
where it wills... So it is with everyone born of
the Spirit.”
Acts 2:2 – “A sound like a mighty rushing
wind...”
Meaning:
The invisible, powerful, and life-giving
nature of the Spirit
The Spirit moves freely and unpredictably
4. Water
•Reference: John 7:37–39 – “Out of his
heart will flow rivers of living water.”
Isaiah 44:3, Titus 3:5
•Meaning:
•Cleansing, refreshment, and life
•The Spirit renews and gives eternal life
•Often linked to baptism
5. Anointing Oil
Reference: 1 John 2:20 – “You have been anointed
by the Holy One...”
Acts 10:38
Meaning:
Consecration and empowerment for mission
The Spirit equips and sanctifies
Often used in sacraments like Confirmation or
Holy Order
6. Cloud and Light
Reference: Exodus 13:21, Luke 1:35 – “The
Holy Spirit will overshadow you...”
Meaning:
Mystery and divine presence
Guidance and protection
The Spirit reveals and conceals God's glory
 Symbol Meaning Biblical Reference
Peace, purity, presence
Dove Luke 3:22
of the Spirit
Power, transformation,
Fire Acts 2:3, Matthew 3:11
zeal
Life-giving, invisible,
Wind (Breath) John 3:8, Acts 2:2
powerful movement
Renewal, cleansing, John 7:37–39,
Water spiritual life Isaiah 44:3
Consecration,
Anointing Oil empowerment, 1 John 2:20, Acts 10:38
sanctification
Mystery, divine
Cloud & Light Exodus 13:21, Luke 1:35
presence, revelation
The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
are spiritual graces given to
Christians to help them live a
faithful and holy life. They are
rooted in Isaiah 11:2-3.
Biblical Foundations
The primary biblical passages that
outline the gifts of the Holy Spirit
include:
•1 Corinthians 12:4–11, 28–31
•Romans 12:3–8
•Ephesians 4:11–13
•1 Peter 4:10–11
1. Wisdom – The ability to see things from God's
perspective and to love what God loves.
2. Understanding – Deep insight into the truths of
the faith and the mysteries of God.
3. Counsel (Right Judgment) – The ability to
discern right from wrong and to make moral
decisions according to God's will.
4. Fortitude (Courage) – Strength to stand firm in
faith and do what is right, even in the face of
difficulties or persecution.
5. Knowledge – Awareness of God's plan and how
to respond to it with faith and action.
6. Piety (Reverence) – A deep sense of respect for
God and devotion in worship and service.
7. Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe) – A
profound respect and awe for God’s majesty and
power, not out of fear of punishment but out of
love and reverence.

These gifts are believed to be strengthened in Christians through

the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Purpose of the Gifts
According to 1 Corinthians 12:7 and
Ephesians 4:12, the purposes are:
•To build up the Body of Christ
•To equip the saints for ministry
•To advance the mission of the Church
•To glorify God, not the individual
The doctrine of the gifts of the Holy Spirit
emphasizes that every believer is endowed
with spiritual gifts for the benefit of the
community, and not for personal gain. The
use and understanding of these gifts vary
among Christian traditions, but all affirm that
they are given by the Holy Spirit according to
His will (1 Corinthians 12:11).
What are the Fruits of the Holy
Spirit?
- The Fruits of the Holy Spirit
are good qualities or virtues
that grow in us when we live
according to the Holy Spirit.
Where do we learn about the
Fruits of the Holy Spirit in the
Bible?
- We learn about them in
Galatians 5:22–23, where St.
Paul lists the fruits that show a
life led by the Spirit.
Who gives us these fruits?
- The Holy Spirit gives us
these fruits when we
follow God's will and grow
in grace.

Why are the Fruits of the

Holy Spirit important?
- They show that we are true
followers of Jesus and help
us live holy lives that please
God and serve others.
 How do we grow in the
Fruits of the Holy Spirit?
By:
•Praying regularly
•Reading the Bible
•Receiving the sacraments
(especially the Eucharist and
Confession)
•Obeying God’s
commandments
•Loving and helping others
Can people see the Fruits of
the Spirit in us?

- Yes! When we live with

the Holy Spirit, others can
see it in our words,
actions, and attitudes.
 What is the difference
between the Gifts and the
Fruits of the Holy Spirit?

- Gifts help us do good things

through God's power.

- Fruits show who we are

becoming through the Holy
Spirit's work in us
Why are they called “fruits”?
- Because they are the
results or signs of a life
that is rooted in God—
just like fruit grows on a
healthy tree.

- Jesus said: "By their

fruits you will know
them." (Matthew 7:20)
The doctrine of the fruits of the Holy Spirit
is a central teaching in Christian theology
that emphasizes the visible evidence of the
Holy Spirit's presence and work in a
believer's life.
Unlike the gifts, which are abilities or roles
given by the Spirit, the fruits are character
traits that reflect a life being transformed by
God's Spirit.
Galatians 5:22–23:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there
is no law.”
1. Charity (Love) – Loving God and others above
all
2. Joy – Feeling happiness in God's presence
3. Peace – Calmness and trust in God
4. Patience – Waiting calmly and without anger
5. Kindness – Being caring and gentle to others
6. Goodness – Doing what is right and pleasing to
God
7. Generosity – Giving to others freely
8. Gentleness – Being humble and soft in action and
words
9. Faithfulness – Being loyal and trustworthy
10. Modesty – Being humble in dress, speech, and
behavior
11. Self-control – Controlling desires and emotions
12. Chastity – Being pure in body and heart
Purpose of the Fruit
•Marks of true discipleship: Jesus said, "By their fruit
you will recognize them" (Matthew 7:16).
•Evidence of sanctification: A growing spiritual life will
reflect more of the Spirit’s fruit.
•Testimony to the world: The fruit displays the power of
the Gospel to transform lives.
How the Fruit Develops
Through abiding in Christ (John 15:4–5)
Through yielding to the Spirit and crucifying the flesh
(Gal. 5:24–25)
Through prayer, Scripture, obedience, and Christian
community
 Gifts of the Spirit Fruits of the Spirit
Abilities and ministries Character and behavior
May differ from person Should be present in all
to person believers
For building up the For showing Christ in
Church daily life
Given instantly by the Grown over time
Spirit through sanctification