God gave us speech to use as we wish, but most people don’t realize that we can speak powerful things into existence when we yield our tongues to Him. We all know our own language that we learned as babies, but God offers us the opportunity to speak directly to Him in a heavenly language that bypasses human understanding. Speaking in tongues is a valid grace gift from the Holy Spirit; sadly, many people—including some believers—don’t understand this gift and may actually be afraid of it.
During the first Pentecost, the people received the baptism of the Holy Spirit when cloven tongues of fire sat on them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak as He gave them utterance. There’s a reason why this supernatural manifestation was in the shape of tongues; God empowered the believers to speak as they’d never spoken before, and this same power is still alive and well today.
Some doubt the authenticity of this gift; when others heard the believers speaking in tongues, they mocked them and said they were full of new wine. Tongues, however, is the prayer language God gives us, and choosing to accept it gives us access to multiple benefits. It builds up our faith, draws out God’s power inside of us, and puts us in touch with the knowledge He put in us. He who speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not to men, but to God.
The natural man lives by the five senses. Things of the Spirit—such as speaking in tongues—are things he neither understands nor accepts. They’re foolishness to him, because they’re spiritually discerned. Regardless of this, our heavenly Father wants to give us this gift when we ask for it in the same way earthly fathers give gifts to their children.
There’s no need to fear anything our Father offers us. Speaking in tongues strengthens us, brings us new insights, and enhances our prayer lives. There’s simply no downside to it.
Prayer:
Lord, one of the benefits of being Your people is the chance to speak in tongues. This is a gift from the Holy Spirit, who only speaks Your Word. Accepting it sets us apart from the world, allows us to speak directly to You, and builds us up. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Scriptures:
- Acts 2:3, 4, 13
- 1 Corinthians 14:2
- 1 Corinthians 2:14
- Luke 11:11-13