The Nine Gifts of the Spirit -- part 2

The Gift of Tongues

As we mentioned last week, the Nine Gifts of the Spirit are often studied in three groups of three gifts each. We will be starting with the “inspiration gifts” and the first of these is commonly called “the gift of tongues.”

“Tongues” is defined as supernatural utterance by the Holy Spirit in languages never learned by the speaker. The languages are not understood by the speaker’s mind nor necessarily even understood by those who hear the utterance.

Tongues have been given to the Church as a means of communication with a living God. I once asked the Lord, “Why do we need tongues?”  He showed me a picture of a clear crystal river flowing at the foot of the throne of God. Then I saw my tongues, my spiritual language, rising from my lips as a stream, going all the way up to that heavenly river in front of the throne. I knew that each time I prayed in tongues, I tapped into that river’s flow and then it flowed right back to me. My tongues were like a conduit from the throne to me and then back from me to the throne. Praying in the Spirit kept that river continually flowing. 

Mothers of Nations, there are many reasons why tongues are important to every believer. First of all, the Word shows us in Acts 2: 4 (NIV) that when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we speak with other tongues. “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”  The Gentiles received the same experience in Acts 10: 46 (NIV) where we read, “For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.” 

Secondly, Jude 20 (NIV) tells us that our faith is stimulated when we pray in tongues. “But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.”  Jude was addressing the fact that in the last days the apostles had warned the Church that there would be scoffers and people following ungodly desires. He wanted his friends to stay in faith and love by keeping their spirits strong and alive through using the prayer language of tongues that God gave them.

A third valuable reason for the gift of tongues is found in 1 Corinthians 14: 14.   “For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.”  Just tongues alone is not as helpful as when we ask God to also give us the understanding.

Knowing what the Spirit is saying helps not only us, but it assists the others who hear our tongue. Sometimes just starting off speaking in tongues leads us into the Spirit realm more and our spirit begins to yield to the Lord. We can then hear Him more clearly and revelation comes by praying in tongues.  

Not everyone accepts tongues or even desires such a spiritual gift. But once you have experienced this gift, there is no doubt that tongues are real. Take for example the reactions to tongues as found in chapter two of the book of Acts. We read that the people were amazed and perplexed with this spiritual manifestation. They were challenged and mocked by others for the gift they had received. Some people even thought the “tongue talkers” were drunk!

Last of all, I believe God chose tongues as a way of helping us communicate with Him without the interference of our brain. The gift of tongues is such a refreshing way to communicate with God and to yield to the Holy Spirit at the same time. No one seems to get upset about a mantra, a word repeated in some meditative state, but just mention “tongues” and see people squirm and panic! 

Often viewed as the most controversial spiritual gift, tongues has been subject to many debates and arguments.        1 Corinthians 14: 39 (NKJV) tells us not to forbid the use of tongues. “Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy, and do not forbid to speak with tongues.”  

Some Bible versions of this verse translate the word “forbid” as “neglect.”  Neglect means to degrade it, not paying enough attention to it, or forgetting it. Too many Christians experience tongues, but they neglect to develop the gift as a lifetime system of communication with God. Personally, I believe not one day should go by without speaking in tongues.

If you have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit, I challenge you to not neglect it! If you have not yet spoken in tongues, I encourage you to study the Word of God and discover the truth of this marvelous gift. You will never be the same after you have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues!

Dr. Sharon Predovich