<Li> Understanding is a perceptive intuition which illuminates the mind to grasp the truths of faith . It does not involve a comprehensive understanding of the mysteries of faith, but helps a person understand that these mysteries are credible; compatible with and related to each other; and not unreasonable . The gift of understanding perfects the theological virtue of faith . </Li> <Li> Counsel functions as a sort of supernatural intuition, to enable a person to judge promptly and rightly, especially in difficult situations . It perfects the cardinal virtue of prudence . While prudence operates in accord with reason as enlightened by faith, the gift of counsel operates under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to illuminate the will of God . </Li> <Li> Fortitude is often identified with courage, but Aquinas takes its meaning to also encompass endurance . Joseph J. Rickaby describes it as a willingness to stand up for what is right in the sight of God, even if it means accepting rejection, verbal abuse, or physical harm . The gift of fortitude allows people the firmness of mind that is required both in doing good and in enduring evil . It is the perfection of the cardinal virtue of the same name . </Li> <Li> Knowledge: The gift of knowledge allows one, as far as is humanly possible, to see things from God's perspective . It "allows us to perceive the greatness of God and his love for his creatures" through creation . </Li>

The gifts of the holy spirit and what they mean