The gift of speaking in tongues is a profound spiritual ability given by the Holy Spirit to believers.
While the gifts of the Holy Spirit are for service before God and benefit to mankind (1 Corinthians 12:4-5), the Bible reveals an essential purpose of the tongue gift – the edification of the believer who possesses this gift (1 Corinthians 14:4).
To edify the Believer.
Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.
1 Corinthians 14-4
The tongue gift offers personal benefits. That’s why Paul, on one hand, wanted members of the Church in Corinth to have it and on the other, urged the Corinthian church to also pursue the more selfless gift of prophecy, which edified the entire congregation, as emphasized in 1 Corinthians 12-14.
The Bible says the tongue gift edifies the believer. We’ve extensively covered the benefits of the tongue gift in this article titled Why Tongues: 9 Edifying Benefits of Speaking in Tongues. Make sure to check it out.
Why you should know this.
It is important to realize this: part of the purpose of the tongue gift is to edify the believer.
Many believers have rejected the tongue gift because they don’t see how it profits them or how it is useful to the body of Christ.
A worthy note; It would be poor stewardship to have access to such a powerful gift and not use it for personal and spiritual success.
Reflect:
- How would your spiritual walk with God be transformed if you started speaking in tongues?
- By how much would your spiritual ability increase if you did?
- How equipped would you be to execute all of what God will have you do?
The Charge: Tieing it together
Now it makes sense for Paul to say;
Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy. – 1 Corinthians 14:5
I thank God that I speak in tongues more than any of you. 1 Corinthians 14:18
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. 1 Corinthian 14:39
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. 1 Corinthians 14:1
