According to Apple Dictionary, a dove is “a stocky seed- or fruit-eating bird with a  small head, short legs, and a cooing voice. Doves are generally smaller and more delicate than pigeons, but many kinds have been given both names.” Doves are mentioned in the Bible. It was a dove that brought an olive leaf in its mouth to Noah which told him the waters had gone down.  In the Law of Moses, doves were declared to be pure and were used as an offering for the purification of a newborn child. 

The International Bible Encyclopedia also notes: “Solomon uses the dove repeatedly in comparison or as a term of endearment. In Son 1:15; Son 4:1; Son 5:12, he compares the eyes of his bride full, tender, beautiful, with those of a dove. In Son 2:12 he uses the voice of the dove as an indication of spring. In Son 2:14 he addresses the bride as a rock dove, In Son 5:2 is another term of endearment, this time used in the dream of the bride (compare Son 6:9).”

Probably the most important use of the dove symbol is that of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’en baptism, all four gospel accounts describe the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove that came down from heaven. For example: Mark 1:9-11 (English Standard Version) In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. [10] And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. [11] And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

As a represention of the Holy Spirit, a dove is meant to impart a sense of holy purity and innocence in the life of a believer. The Holy Spirit is the force of God gently drawing a person into loving experiences with Him.  Each time we notice this symbol in church or in their home, it is there to a remind us of the path of purification and holiness God has placed every believer on.

The dove is an emblem of purity and harmlessness (Matthew 10:16), and the form of the dove at Jesus’ baptism signified that the Spirit in Jesus was one of holiness and innocence. 

The dove is a great symbol of God’s grace in each believer’s life. The following poem, from https://www.christart.com expresses the gratitude of a man deeply aware of this truth. He put into words what we all may feel.

The Holy Spirit Of God

by Royston © 2019*

He came to me as gentle as a dove 

satisfying me with His warmth and love 

then opened my eyes and helped me to see 

the wonderful love that Jesus had for me. 

He breathed upon me His life giving breath 

taking away from me my fear of death 

then made the Word of God alive in me 

guiding and controlling my destiny.