It’s amazing how quickly we move on from things—even as charismatics!
Once upon a time, a Sunday morning would hold the unmistakable sound of two or three messages in tongues spoken in our midst, followed by the interpretation—piercing, lifting, encouraging. Sometimes, there were even two interpretations for the same tongue (which I always found a bit confusing). Now, in so many churches, those days feel like distant memories. What on earth happened to the gift of tongues and interpretation? Why is it slipping from our gatherings, like a beautiful, unspoken language losing its speakers? Yes, tongues can sound a bit strange, but that’s not a reason to stop!
The New Testament is quite clear on this gift: it’s for the church—for edification, for the building up of the body. Paul reminds us, “If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church” (1 Corinthians 14:27–28, ESV).
Tongues with interpretation were meant to serve as a conduit for encouragement, worship, and deepening our wonder of God. It’s a gift designed for the corporate body, a way for the mystery of heaven to meet the gritty, everyday reality of a church service and lift our eyes to the heavens.
Imagine it: a tongue spoken, followed by an interpretation that stirs the heart—a shared praise that draws us all in. It’s like being invited into a holy conversation, where the heart of a believer ignites in praise, adoration, and worship, expressing itself in the Spirit—a sacred exchange between a child of God and the Father that we would otherwise be unaware of. Through the mystery of tongues and the revelation of interpretation, we gain a glimpse into divine speech—and that, friends, is a treasure. Scripture is clear: “For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit” (1 Corinthians 14:2, ESV).
But why, then, do we shy away from it now? Perhaps we’ve traded heavenly mystery for the comfort of predictability, or maybe we fear the messiness of these gifts, worried they’ll interrupt our plans. But isn’t worship meant to be interrupted by heaven—where we talk, sing, and praise God, and He answers? When we risk inviting the Spirit to move in this way, we open ourselves to hearing things that aren’t what we expect, that aren’t predictable or easy to control. Yet that’s the very essence of Spirit-led communication—it’s not ours to shape; it’s God’s to deliver.
Some may say that tongues and interpretation have had their day, that they were for a particular time and people. Yet Scripture doesn’t place an expiration date on these gifts. “So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church” (1 Corinthians 14:12, ESV). If we’re sincere in building up the church, why would we not welcome every gift, especially one that turns our hearts heavenward? If we come to God, shouldn’t we expect that He is not timid—that He will respond?
Here’s the rub: tongues and interpretation pull us beyond ourselves. When a message in tongues rises, we’re reminded that this faith is not from earth. The words that follow—the interpretation—remind us that God has thoughts higher than ours, plans and purposes we barely glimpse, yet to which we are called.
This is a supernatural gift that draws us beyond ourselves, anchoring us deeper into the Spirit’s work, binding us closer to one another in shared wonder and awe. Sometimes, the interpretation of tongues I have spoken has used some of the very phrases I have prayed in private—it is profoundly encouraging.
Perhaps we need to stir our hunger again—big style. Maybe it’s time to pray for that “earnestness” Paul spoke of, asking God to reignite the supernatural in our Sunday mornings. In all our efforts to be polished and prepared, let’s not lose the beauty of an unplanned, heaven-stirred tongue and interpretation. Heaven knows we need it—perhaps more now than ever. If this was your golden era from years ago, or even just a year ago, I encourage you to fan into flame that gift.
Remember, the gifts of the Spirit are not for you; they are there to encourage, build up the church, and reinvigorate it. Simply, they are for others, and if no one uses their gifts—stirred and given by the Holy Spirit—everyone misses out. Who knows? Perhaps God also says, “Why are you not using the gifts I gave you for the ones I love?” That may seem passively legalistic—but pretend you never read it…
Are we ready to risk again? To invite the mysteries of God back into our worship? May we be unafraid to seek, unashamed to hear, and unyielding in our pursuit of all the Spirit has for us—even the gifts that seem strange.
It’s the simplest and easiest gift to use in the collection of things God has given us – and it stirs the heart of the church as they hear the interpretation of a Spirit-inspired and infused heart! Stir it up!
