Recently, someone in our Congregation’s Bible Study group asked everyone if they believed in the Spiritual Gift of speaking in Tongues. I do believe in this Spiritual Gift; however, before I actually experienced it, I grew up thinking it was fake. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 14:18 that he spoke in tongues more than the rest of the congregation. He made it clear in Chapter 14 that speaking in Tongues was a real and valuable gift that he used often and should be used in an orderly manner that promotes peace.
My Personal Experience
I was praying and wanted to praise God for who He is to me; I felt that even the word “awesome” was not good enough to praise Him. I had such a strong desire to praise God, but there seemed to be no words that I knew that could adequately describe and praise God. When I asked God for the words to praise Him, I felt the Holy Spirit rise up within me, and I knew I had praised God through a heavenly language I could not understand. It was a wonderful experience; however, I still had to learn to accept it, and I am still learning to use it wisely. Speaking in Tongues was a Spiritual Gift that scared and confused me as a child.
Trust God
At the time of my prayer, I did not realize I was asking for the very Spiritual Gift that would bless my personal worship with God. However, the Holy Spirit not only gave me what I had asked for, but also the gift I needed. From my personal experience, I recommend that believers in Christ, “Pray, being honest with God about how you feel, what’s on your heart and mind, telling Him what you believe, and asking Him for whatever you need.”
First Be Filled with the Holy Spirit
Acts 2:1-4 (KJV) “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
A Heavenly Language of Every Nation
Acts 2:5-13 (KJV) “And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.”
A Sign The Messiah Has Come
Acts 2:14-18 (KJV) “But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:”
The Gifts From the Holy Spirit
Paul writes about the Spiritual Gifts of the indwelling Holy Spirit in three essential chapters, 1 Corinthians 12-14. Paul instructs believers in 1 Corinthians 14 to also pray for the gifts of Prophecy and Interpretation of Tongues. Paul taught the Corinthians to pray for and use Spiritual Gifts in ways that promote peace and benefit the community of believers. We should also eagerly pray for the Spiritual Gifts and ask God to help us use them in love according to His purpose for us as individuals.
Follow the Way of Love
1 Corinthians 14:1-5 (NIV) “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 2 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. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 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.”
Questions to Ponder
1. Why do you need love for the Spiritual gifts to work properly?
2. What do you need first before praying for any Spiritual Gift?
3. What Spiritual Gift are you going to pray about today?
4. What Spiritual Gifts has the Holy Spirit blessed you with?
5. Would you like me to pray for you? If you want me to pray for you, leave a comment below.
Hint: Answers to questions 1-4 can be found in prayer and 1 Corinthians 12-14.