What Does the Bible Say About Speaking In Tongues?
Scripture reveals that the gift of speaking in tongues, though valuable, is meant to build up the church and point people to God, not to exalt the individual.
Scripture on Speaking In Tongues
1 Corinthians 14:2
New Testament
"For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit."
1 Corinthians 14:5
New Testament
"I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified."
1 Corinthians 14:13
New Testament
"For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say."
1 Corinthians 14:26-27
New Testament
"What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret."
Acts 2:4
New Testament
"All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
The Bottom Line
The purpose of speaking in tongues is to glorify God and edify the church, not to draw attention to oneself.
Try Today
Reflect on how you can use your spiritual gifts to build up others, rather than seeking your own status or recognition.
Prayer
As Jesus said, 'Ask and it will be given to you' (Matthew 7:7).
Heavenly Father, help me to use the spiritual gifts You have given me, including the ability to speak in tongues if that is Your will, in a way that points people to You and builds up Your church. May I not seek my own glory, but instead humbly serve others for Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen.
📚 Read 1 Corinthians 12-14 to explore the proper use of spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues, within the body of Christ.
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