THE DOVE: A PICTURE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
| The Dove | Characteristics of a Dove | Parallels to the Holy Spirit |
|---|---|---|
| White | Expresses the color of purity | The Holy Spirit brings purity. Leviticus 20:26 “You are to be holy to me because I, the Lord, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.” – 1 Thessalonians 4:7 “For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.” – |
| Affectionate | Expresses affection by stroking and cooing | The Holy Spirit brings love and affection. Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, |
| Gentle | Never retaliates against its enemies, when young are attacked it won’t fight, but cries in distress | We are not to retaliate against enemies; the Spirit makes intercession in time of trouble Romans 8:26 Likewise, the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. |
| When hearing strange noises | Will not return after being frightened | The Spirit will not always strive with men. Genesis 6:3 And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years. Ephesians 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Luke 12:10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven. |
| When Hovering | Wings point to the head and not the tail | The Spirit always points people to Christ. John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: |
| Wing feathers | Has nine main feathers on its left and right wings | There are nine gifts (1 Cor. 12:8-10) and nine fruits (Gal. 5:22-23) of the Spirit. |
| Tail feathers | Has five main feathers on its tail. | The church includes a fivefold ministry. Ephesians 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: |
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