Novena for the Charisms and
Fruit of the Holy Spirit
Day 5
Charismatic Gift: Word of Wisdom
Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness
Spripture:
Ephesians 1:16
I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him.
Reflection:
This scripture speaks of two ways we can come to the knowledge God; through wisdom and revelation. Wisdom- what we can acquire through study, experience and wise counsel, and revelation- a supernatural impartation of understanding or insight that is a grace from the Holy Spirit. Both are necessary for the spiritual life, but too often believers will choose one over the other. It is always a balance; too much wisdom without revelation can create a static spirituality- “following the rules” so to speak. Too much revelation without wisdom creates an immaturity that can harm the believer and the body of Christ.
The Charismatic gift of the word of wisdom in a way bridges the ideas of wisdom and revelation. Word of wisdom is a supernatural impartation of heavenly wisdom or guidance that benefits the believer and the community. It transcends the wisdom we could acquire through our own efforts and cuts to the root of the issue at hand. Jesus dealt with the Scribes and Chief priests with a word of wisdom when he said “give to Caesar what is Caesars’ and give to God what is God’s”. (Luke 20:25). The word of wisdom from Jesus cut through the surface of deception they posed with their question of “is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not?” and disarmed their malice with a much kinder answer than they deserved.
Which brings us to kindness. Romans 2:4 says “God’s Kindness is meant to lead you to repentance”. The kindness of God is our model to follow as believers. The Lord sees mankind in all our fallen pursuits, yet he still loves the world and sent His only Son to redeem it (John 3:16). In the way we humans measure things, this is an injustice. Mankind has rejected God and deserves punishment! Justice demands it!. That may be the conventional “wisdom” among some, but the revelation is missing. The revelation of the kindness of God expressed as mercy must be measured into the justice of God. Only in Jesus, do justice and mercy meet perfectly. One translation of Psalm 85:10 says “Kindness and truth have met, righteousness and peace have kissed.”
The Holy Spirit has come to reveal to us how, in Jesus, wisdom and revelation are one, how justice and mercy meet and how the kindness of God shows us the sacrificial kindness that we are called to imitate through His grace.
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, you are the font of revelation. Everything I know about God has been revealed by you. Your kindness is without limits. I earnestly desire more of your gifts so that I can be your instrument in blessing others and advancing the Kingdom. I desire your gift of word of wisdom, according to your will, so that by exercising this gift in kindness, I can bring your wisdom and revelation into the lives of others for the building up of the body of Christ.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.
Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen. Come Holy Spirit!
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.
Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen. Come Holy Spirit!