Faith

Must I Speak in Tongues? Let’s Settle this Matter

I once saw a post on social media implying that no one is supposed to be speaking in tongues in our day. The writer of the post gave no true scriptural explanation for that conclusion. And truthfully, there’s nothing in scriptures that should make us think this way. Yet, I know people who will still ask, “Must I speak in tongues?”

Also, I Understand That These People Do Not Speak in Tongues For Certain Reasons.

Reasons like:

1. Speaking in tongues ended with the disciples and those who received the Holy Spirit directly from them.

First of all, Paul wasn’t in the Upper Room with the apostles. Also, it was  Ananias who laid hands on him to receive the Spirit (Acts 9:17) yet this same Paul laid hands on other people. 

Not only that, this same Paul was the one who  wrote to the church in Corinth, telling them not to forbid tongues, and that instruction is to us in extension. In that same book, he addressed the how and why of subject matter.  Although there was a call for moderation, the solution was never to ban tongues. 

Everyone must approach spiritual topics with a willingness and humility to learn from and submit to the word of God regardless of how long you've held certain notions. Click To Tweet

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.”

1 Corinthians 14:39 NIV 

Most importantly, when Jesus talked about tongues, He did not in any way limit it to  the early church and them alone. 

If we believe tongues are not for us today, does that also mean that every other thing Jesus said in that passage is not in  manifestation today? 

2. Speaking in tongues is speaking what you don’t understand. 

First of all, the idea of tongues is not for you, or others to understand. It’s speaking mysteries to God, and not to men. If it will make sense to anybody else, it has to be interpreted by the Spirit.

If we believe tongues are not for us today, does that also mean that every other thing Jesus said in Mark 16:17 that passage is not in manifestation today? Click To Tweet

There’s no need for someone to understand your tongues, because you’re not talking to them but to God. 

3.  Jesus never spoke in tongues.

Firstly, Jesus didn’t need to. In addition to that, the Spirit could only come and reside in us after His ascension (John16:7), and nobody spoke in tongues before then. 

He tells us in John 14:12 that we would do greater works than He has done, because He’s going to the Father. In Acts 2:33, Paul attributes the speaking in tongues ability to the fact that Jesus has been exalted and is with the Father. 

In conclusion, tongues are a “greater work”, and could only happen after Jesus had ascended. Therefore, we can and should speak in tongues, whether or not Jesus did.

There's nothing in Scripture that suggests we should not speak in tongues in our day. Click To Tweet

4. It’s not compulsory for every believer.

Making this kind of statement is like saying I can have 5 million naira, but I choose to have 5 naira. We should desire to experience every possibility that God has given to us in Christ. Our mindset should be this: If God made it possible, and desires it for me, then I should desire it for myself. 

In Pastor Emmanuel Iren’s words, “God did not make a provision in Christ that is not necessary.” 

Paul didn’t just say we shouldn’t  forbid tongues, he also said we should  “earnestly” desire it. In that same verse (1 Cor 14:1), he says we should earnestly pursue love, but nobody ever argues about that one. Desire the gift. Don’t forbid it.

There's no need for someone to understand your tongues, because you're not talking to them but to God. Click To Tweet

In Acts 2, and 19 we see that everyone present spoke in tongues. No one was left out. This shows God’s pattern and desire; tongues are for every believer.

This gift is a confirmation of the testimony of Jesus. We can speak in tongues because Jesus died, was buried, resurrected and ascended. Therefore, every time we speak in tongues, we’re confirming this testimony.

We can speak in tongues because Jesus died, was buried, resurrected and ascended. Therefore, every time we speak in tongues, we're confirming this testimony. Click To Tweet

Finally, everyone must approach spiritual topics with a willingness and humility to learn from it regardless of how long you’ve held certain notions.

Please bear in mind that this article is aimed at addressing the reasons why we should speak in tongues. It might not answer all the questions you have about tongues, but feel free to leave a comment, like and share.

Did you enjoy this piece? You can also read “What Praying in Tongues Affords Us – Triumph30“.

About author

Articles

Favour Ndakara is a young Christian that lives out her purpose to know God and make Him known. She's also a pharmacist that loves acting, writing and talking. She's convivial and loves the idea of friendships.
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