DISCOVER THE SPIRITUAL BENEFIT OF SPEAKING IN NEW TONGUES

Praise be to the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! As believers, we are called to grow in understanding of the Word of God, which is described in Psalm 119:105 as,

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”

Today, let’s explore the gift of speaking in tongues—a subject often misunderstood, but rich in spiritual value for those who receive it.

1. Not All Believers Speak in Tongues—and That’s Okay

The Bible clearly teaches that not every Christian will speak in tongues. The Apostle Paul, addressing the church in Corinth, writes:

1 Corinthians 12:30 

“Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?”

This rhetorical question implies that spiritual gifts are distributed differently to each believer according to God’s will (1 Corinthians 12:11). Speaking in tongues is one of many spiritual gifts, not a universal requirement or sign of salvation.

2. Speaking in Tongues is a Supernatural Prompting, Not a Human Choice

Contrary to some assumptions, speaking in tongues is not something someone can initiate on their own. It is the result of the Holy Spirit’s prompting, similar to receiving prophecy, dreams, or visions. These manifestations are not self-produced; they are sovereign acts of God.

Acts 2:4 describes the first instance of tongues: “

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

This emphasizes that it is the Holy Spirit who gives utterance—not the speaker deciding to speak.

3. There Are Two Types of Tongues: Human and Angelic

In 1 Corinthians 13:1, Paul writes,

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”

This reveals that tongues may refer to known human languages or unknown heavenly languages.

• Tongues of men: These are existing languages, supernaturally spoken by someone who never learned them (see Acts 2:6–11).
• Tongues of angels: These are heavenly, unearthly languages—likely unintelligible to human listeners unless interpreted by the Spirit.

4. Tongues May Contain Prophecy, Praise, or Divine Mysteries

When a person speaks in tongues, the content might be prophetic, worshipful, or deeply spiritual. Paul explains:

1 Corinthians 14:2

 “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.”

This shows that in many cases, tongues are a personal and direct communication with God—something deeply intimate and beyond human understanding unless interpreted.

5. Tongues Require Interpretation in Public, But Not in Private Prayer

When tongues are spoken publicly, particularly in church, there should be interpretation for the benefit of all. Paul instructs:

1 Corinthians 14:27–28

 “If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.”

However, in private prayer, interpretation isn’t required. That’s when tongues serve a different but powerful purpose—speaking divine mysteries to God alone.

Tongues Offer Spiritual Privacy

One of the greatest benefits of praying in tongues is the spiritual secrecy it provides. Just like two people might switch to a private language to speak confidentially in public, speaking in tongues allows a believer to pray in a way that bypasses human and demonic interference.

When Satan doesn’t understand your prayers, he is less able to attack what he cannot decode. Praying in tongues becomes a secure spiritual channel between you and God.

Romans 8:26  also supports this idea:

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

Tongues allow the Spirit to pray through us in ways that align with God’s perfect will—even when we don’t have the right words.

Don’t Hold Back the Gift

If God has given you the gift of speaking in tongues, don’t be afraid to use it—especially in your personal prayer life. It is a powerful, biblical way to:

• Speak directly to God
• Protect the content of your prayers
• Build yourself up spiritually (1 Corinthians 14:4)
• Experience deeper intimacy with the Holy Spirit

May the Lord strengthen your faith and deepen your walk with Him.
Keep praying, keep growing, and may the gifts of the Spirit be active and fruitful in your life.

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