Day 193: God understands your language – 1 Corinthians 14 vs 1 – 5

1  Pursue love and desire spiritual gifts, and especially that you may prophesy. 2 For the person who speaks in a tongue is not speaking to people but to God, since no one understands him; he speaks mysteries in the Spirit. 3 On the other hand, the person who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouragement, and consolation. 4 The person who speaks in a tongue builds himself up, but the one who prophesies builds up the church. 

5 I wish all of you spoke in tongues - but even more that you prophesied. The person who prophesies is greater than the person who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets so that the church may be built up. 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 Christian Standard Bible

“Speaking in tongues” had become a big issue at Corinth - and it's become a big issue in many Churches over the last century too. At the time Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth he obviously didn't want to discourage them in what was one of the Holy Spirit's gifts. (vs 1) But he clearly wanted them to focus more on the gifts that would benefit everyone at their meetings. (vs 2 & 4)

But what were tongues? Some Christians say tongues are a 'heavenly language' (vs2) – even the language of angels. But, as the same Greek word is also used for languages, many Christians believe this gift was an ability to speak an unlearned language which people who could speak that language would recognize. That happened in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. Acts 2:4-5 says that Jesus' disciples “Were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability. And at that time there were devout Jews from every nation living in Jerusalem. When they heard the loud noise, everyone came running, and they were bewildered to hear their own languages being spoken by the believers.”

So it's very possible that some believers in Corinth were able to speak a language they'd never learned (and didn't understand) and it gave them a good feeling. It certainly made them feel special. But what was the problem about that? (vs 4)

The focus was all on themselves. Their faith may have been strengthened, but it was not of any benefit to others. What are the sort of things that most of us need the most according to vs 3?

Being a Christian in a pagan world can be tough, demanding and draining. We need fresh strength each day, as well as encouragement to keep going and consolation in times of trial. And Paul says that happens when God's word is revealed and is powerfully preached. No wonder he expressed the desire he did in vs 5. If someone was present who could interpret what had been said in a tongue, that would help everyone – but how much better if everything was said in a language they all understood. What is the principle in vs 1 that should guide everything we do as a believer in Jesus Christ?

Love will always look out for others and want to do what is best for everyone, rather than wanting personal feel-good experiences, or prominence. This doesn't only apply to the issue of tongues, it surely applies to our whole approach to life in the Church. It will affect the songs we choose to sing as a fellowship as well as our conduct in Church 'business meetings'. It will influence how we use our time, our talents and our possessions. Do we live for self or for Christ and those He has redeemed?

God willing, we will look at more of this as we go through this chapter. But for now, the big lesson is that tongues were never the proof of being a Christian, and never essential for all Christians to experience. God understands perfectly well the language you and I speak. I’m persuaded that what God would like to see in our lives are words that build others up, and encourage them, and give consolation when they need it. May He use our tongues for such ministry always.