SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Tongues
Receive the gift humbly. Let worship remain about God.
Speaking in Tongues refers to Spirit-enabled speech in a language not produced through the speaker’s normal linguistic ability. The New Testament presents Tongues in different settings, including Acts 2 and the gathered church in 1 Corinthians 12–14. Christian traditions differ significantly in how they understand the exact nature and contemporary expression of this gift.
WHAT IS THE GIFT OF TONGUES?
Tongues are one expression of the Spirit’s varied grace.
In Scripture, the gift appears in contexts of prayer, worship, mission, and gathered community.
At Pentecost, people from many nations hear the mighty works of God in languages they understand.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul gives careful instructions so public use strengthens the church rather than creating confusion.
At its healthiest, Tongues remain humble, God-centered, ordered, and free from spiritual status.
This gift is not proof that one believer has more of the Holy Spirit than another.
YOU MAY RECOGNIZE THIS GIFT WHEN...
Others may have noticed...
- You have spoken in a language you did not naturally learn in a context of prayer or worship.
- Your exercise of the gift occurs humbly and orderly rather than drawing attention to yourself.
You may have noticed...
- Spirit-prompted language becomes part of your prayer or worship.
- The experience directs your heart toward God rather than toward spiritual performance.
- You understand that possessing this gift does not make you more spiritual than another Christian.
THE GIFT IN SCRIPTURE
PENTECOST
Jesus’ followers are gathered in Jerusalem when the Holy Spirit comes upon them.
They begin speaking in other tongues as the Spirit gives them utterance.
Pilgrims from many nations hear them speaking about the mighty works of God in their own languages.
The initiative belongs to the Holy Spirit.
The content points toward God.
And the effect reaches outward across linguistic and national boundaries.
But Acts 2 is not the only New Testament setting for Tongues.
In 1 Corinthians 12–14, Paul teaches that public use in gathered worship must serve the church.
If there is no interpretation, the speaker should remain quiet publicly and speak to God privately.
The consistent principle is edification rather than performance.
EXPLORE THE SCRIPTURES
WHEN TONGUES ARE HEALTHY
Healthy Tongues...
- direct attention toward God.
- remain humble and orderly.
- do not become a badge of spiritual rank.
- respect the biblical concern for intelligibility in public worship.
- welcome appropriate interpretation when exercised publicly.
- make room for Christians who do not share the same gift.
THE WEIGHT OF THE GIFT
Tongues have often become a dividing line among Christians.
That makes humility especially important.
Paul explicitly teaches that not everyone speaks in tongues.
Therefore this gift cannot be treated as proof that one believer possesses the Holy Spirit and another does not.
It cannot become evidence of superior maturity.
People who exercise the gift should welcome biblical order and accountability.
People who do not exercise the gift should resist mocking or dismissing what Scripture includes among the Spirit’s gifts.
The gift does not need to become a test of belonging.
ASK THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW YOU
WE ARE FORMED PERSONALLY.
WE ARE REVEALED RELATIONALLY.
Ask:
- Does this expression draw me toward God or toward proving something about myself?
- Do I exercise this gift with humility and order?
- Am I comfortable with the fact that not every Christian will share this gift?
- If I use Tongues publicly, do I respect the biblical boundaries Paul gives?
- Does my practice strengthen community rather than divide it?
TRY THE GIFT
PRACTICE HUMBLE STEWARDSHIP
If Tongues are already part of your prayer life, notice the fruit.
Does the experience deepen worship, dependence, humility, and love?
If you are in a public setting, ask whether the way the gift is being exercised serves the people present.
Do not force an experience you have seen in someone else.
Do not use the gift as a measure of spiritual maturity.
Let love govern expression.
GUIDED PRAYER
Holy Spirit,
If You have entrusted Tongues to me, teach me to receive and use the gift with humility.
Keep my attention on God rather than on spiritual experience itself.
Help me honor Scripture, order, love, and the good of the community.
Protect me from comparison, pride, or using this gift as proof of spiritual status.
Let whatever You give become an expression of worship and faithful stewardship.
Amen.
How do Tongues and Interpretation of Tongues work together?
Tongues is Spirit-enabled speech beyond the speaker’s normal linguistic ability. Interpretation of Tongues makes its meaning understandable so the gathered church can be strengthened. In 1 Corinthians 14:27–28, Paul directs public speech in tongues to be interpreted; without an interpreter, the speaker is to remain quiet in the gathering and speak to God privately. Love and the good of the community govern both gifts.
CONTINUE DISCOVERING
Think Tongues may be one of the ways God has entrusted you to pray or worship?