There is probably no topic as controversial as speaking with other tongues in churches today. While some denominations argue vehemently against the practice, others extol its importance as much as faith in the savior. So, one might be tempted to ask, where do all these confusions and disparities arise from? Certainly not from the savior! Nevertheless, if the body of Christ would manifest its potential to the fullest, we need to understand and stick to what the Bible says.
There is no place for Individual idealism and socially acceptable norms in the church, and believers must adhere to the word of God as the highest authority on any matter. Therefore, what does the word say? What does praying in other tongues mean? Is the Bible really against speaking in other tongues? Who can speak in other tongues? How do we speak in other tongues? We shall find answers to these and many more as we progress.
Truths About Speaking In Other Tongues
1. Speaking in tongues is characteristic of believers
In Mark 16:17, Jesus said, “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name, they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues” Jesus wasn’t mincing words when he made this declaration before his ascension. Contrary to what some persons preach, Jesus says all believers will be characterized by this ability to speak in other tongues. So does Jesus want you to speak in tongues even though you believed in him only yesterday? Yes! He was literally saying, “if you want to identify a believer amongst unbelievers, a sure-fire way is to watch out for his speaking with other tongues.”
2. Speaking with tongues is another way of communicating with God
In 1 Corinthians 14:1, Paul speaking “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit, he speaks mysteries.” This means that when you speak with other tongues, you need not worry whether God understood you because he surely understands. You need not wait to get in your closet to pour your heart into God. Even amid other persons, you can express yourself to God in other tongues.
3. Speaking with tongues equals edification and fortification
But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, Jude 1:20. Praying in other tongues will help make you strong for the times of trials. You will have to strengthen yourself before you can strengthen others, so pray and exercise your faith now before storms arise.
4. We Speak In Other Tongues As The Holy Spirit Gives Us Utterance
Speaking in other tongues is a spiritual activity and not merely a repetition of sounds; therefore, you should allow the holy ghost to inspire your utterance. The Spirit of God would not open your mouth and speak for you, but he will place the syllables in your spirit. The Bible says, “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” The holy ghost inspires your vocal cords, but you are the one to open up your mouth and speak it. This in itself is an act of faith.
5. Speaking In Tongues Is The Best Way To Pray And Praise.
1 Corinthians 14:15 says, ” I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.” Further down in this passage, Paul explained that it is much more quality when you give thanks in tongues than giving thanks in our understanding. Therefore the next time you want to worship God, do so in tongues.
6. Interpreted Tongues Edify Others In The Same Way Prophecy Does
If there is no argument about who gives the utterances when we speak with other tongues, then we can conclude that the solutions and scriptures we get in our spirits during this activity are of the Holy Spirit. When we go on to declare these solutions, and they are applied, they bless the body of Christ in the same fashion as prophecies.
7. You should Pray In Tongues When You Are Alone.
There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to where we should pray in tongues, but it is definitely more reason to pray in tongues when you are alone and not in corporate believers gathering. This is especially when you are not interpreting your tongues. Other believers need to be blessed by your prayers too. So speak words they can understand and say an Amen to.
8. Paul Did Not Say Speaking With Other Tongues Are For Some Believers.
Many times, believers misunderstand what Apostle Paul meant in 1 Corinthian.12:28-30. Pay keen attention to what he said and not what he did not say. Speaking of the gifts of the spirit, Paul said, “do all have the gift of speaking with other tongues?” he did not say, “all cannot have the gift.” So every believer can walk in these gifts, simply desire and receive them.
9. Interpretation of Tongues is Not the Learned Ability to Translate Foreign Language
This gift must be distinguished from the learned ability to translate a foreign language. Translating Greek and a good bit of Hebrew and Latin into English is awesome but not what Paul meant. You are probably very familiar with scenes at an international political conference where translators are employed to interpret speeches for the representatives of various countries. This is an impressive skill, but it is a natural, learned human ability. On the other hand, the gift Paul describes is supernatural, unlearned, and is no less a “manifestation” (1 Cor. 12:7) of the Holy Spirit than the gift of miracles or prophecy.
10. The Content of Interpretation Depends on the Content of the Tongue Uttered
Interpretation of tongues is not to be stereotypical to any particular area. Depending on the utterance made by the holy spirit, you could have interpretation for prayer, praise, adoration, etc., which was given to God.