the gift of Counsel that I may live according to the principles of this faith
The gift of counsel is “to render the individual docile and receptive to the counsel of God regarding one’s actions in view of sanctification and salvation.” Primarily, this gift enables a person to judge individual acts as good and ought to be done, or as evil and ought to be avoided.
Aiding the virtue of prudence, the Holy Spirit not only makes our heart docile to search for the truth (as taught by the church) and to accept it, but also helps us to remember and learn from past events. The counsel given pertains to one’s own personal sanctification and ultimate supernatural end.
Therefore, this gift prompts the person to ask himself, “Is this act true to Christ and the teachings of this church? Does this act lead to or strengthen holiness? Will this act lead to heaven?” Therefore, the gift of counsel enlightens a person to know what must be done at this particular time, place and circumstance; it also enlightens us to counsel others who ask for advice and direction.
Clearly, the gift of counsel perfects the virtue of prudence; however, while the virtue of prudence operates in accord with reason as enlightened by faith, this gift operates under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Consequently, the counsel given may be that about which reason would not be able to give an explanation.
As Our Lord said to the Apostles, “When they hand you over, do not worry about what you will say or how you will say it. When the hour comes, you will be given what you are to say. You yourselves will not be the speakers; the Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you” (Mt 10:18-20).
To cultivate this gift, a person should pray for the help of the Holy Spirit (in particular for the gifts of knowledge and understanding). Also, continued study of sacred Scripture and the teachings of the church, especially in the moral issues of the day, provide fuel for this gift.
I appreciated the way you explained counsel not simply as receiving answers, but as becoming receptive to God’s direction in everyday decisions. The question, “Does this lead to holiness?” especially stood out because it shifts the focus from simply asking what we want to do toward asking what draws us closer to Christ.
I also liked the reminder that wisdom often involves both learning from what God has already taught us and remaining open to how the Holy Spirit continues to guide us. Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful reflection on something many believers pray for but may not always fully understand.