The Gift of Tongues:
Speaking to Build Up, Not to Confuse
One of the most discussed spiritual gifts in the New Testament is the gift of tongues. While opinions differ on its application today, Scripture consistently shows that spiritual gifts were given to glorify God and strengthen His church—not to draw attention to individuals or create confusion.
Throughout the Bible, the gift of tongues is presented as a miraculous ability granted by the Holy Spirit. Jesus foretold that believers would "speak with new tongues" (Mark 16:17). On the Day of Pentecost, the disciples were empowered to proclaim the gospel in the native languages of people gathered from many nations (Acts 2:1–13). Similar events occurred in the homes of Cornelius (Acts 10:44–48) and among believers in Ephesus (Acts 19:6). In each case, the gift served God's mission by communicating His truth and confirming the work of the Holy Spirit.
Paul recognized tongues as one of the genuine gifts of the Spirit, listing it alongside many others in 1 Corinthians 12. Yet when writing to the believers in Corinth, he devoted an entire chapter to correcting their misuse of this gift. The Greek word glōssa ("tongue") appears more than twenty times in 1 Corinthians 12–14, with the majority found in chapter 14. This emphasis reveals that the Corinthians had made tongues a source of disorder rather than edification.
Instead of using their gifts to encourage one another, some believers were creating confusion during worship services. Paul reminded them that God "is not the author of confusion but of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:33, NKJV). He instructed that if tongues were spoken publicly, they should be done in an orderly way and only when someone could interpret the message (1 Corinthians 14:27–28). His concern was not to diminish the gift but to ensure that worship remained understandable, Christ-centered, and beneficial to everyone present.
This principle extends far beyond the gift of tongues. Every spiritual gift—whether teaching, serving, encouraging, giving, or leading—should be exercised in love and for the good of the church. The purpose of spiritual gifts is not to elevate ourselves but to point people to Jesus and strengthen the body of Christ.
Our worship should reflect God's character. When Christ is at the center, our words, actions, and gifts work together to build up others instead of causing distraction or division. The Holy Spirit brings unity, clarity, and peace, and every gift He gives should accomplish those same purposes.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving spiritual gifts to Your people through the Holy Spirit. Help us to use every gift with humility, wisdom, and love. Guard us from seeking recognition for ourselves, and teach us to use our abilities to glorify You and encourage others. May our worship always reflect Your peace, order, and truth, and may everything we do point people to Jesus. In His precious name we pray, Amen.
More on Lesson 6: Spiritual Gifts
3rd Quarter Sabbath School: 1st and 2nd Corinthians