Lore says that the “Seven Swans A-Swimming” represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit – wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

Gifts are made for sharing. That’s the nature of gifts, both physical and spiritual. It is important for us to realize that God has given each of us a unique set of gifts that He intends for us to share with each other. Some have gifts that put them in the front, leading others in the church and guiding people to the truth. Some have gifts that are behind the scenes, setting the foundation for people to grow in Christ and quietly helping those in need. For each of us there is a unique set of gifts and abilities that God gives us to share with other believers and to share with those in need of His divine love.

One of the biggest dangers is mistakenly viewing our gifts as a reflection of us instead of a reflection of Christ. We can become jealous of the gifts that God has given others and desire their gifts instead of ours. Or we can become proud of our gifts and begin to think of ourselves as superior to others. We focus on ourselves instead of focusing on using our gifts to honor Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:4-5 says, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.” God has given us each different gifts, but they come from the same Spirit and are used to serve the same Lord. We were made to glorify God, and God gives us these gifts to share with one another.