What does it mean to speak in tongues?

click here to read about how this series came to be. I speak in italics, and our Lord in bold print.

What does it mean to speak in tongues?

It is a special language, born of my Spirit. It is evidence I am speaking through and into a person. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit. Its purpose is to build awe and wonder within those that believe in me. And it creates special connection between me and one of my children.

Does the gift still exist?

Do I still exist? Yes 🙂

Why have I never experienced this?

You haven’t asked.

If I ask, will you grant it?

Perhaps, if it is in my will to do so. You don’t need to know and understand everything. Mystery is good for the soul. It promotes wonder, desire for adventure, a thirst for the unknown. It leaves room for exercising faith. And sometimes it is just fun :). I don’t want you to get bored!

Why has the gift of tongues become disfavored (at least among non-pentecostals)?

Like many of my gifts it was abused, used for selfish purposes, mimicked by the Enemy to create confusion, division, and doubt. And it was more common in the beginning, as were many of the more public and fantastical gifts like healing and prophecy. I needed to get people’s attention, announce loudly that my Kingdom had come, make it clear and undeniable. That is not the issue in your day. All know that the Kingdom is here and has been advancing for centuries. The issue now is that people don’t like what it stands for and don’t want to submit to it. You are in the last days, so this is how it will be. But don’t worry about these things. In your day there is no more powerful gift of my Spirit to display than love, and all that follows it – kindness, gentleness, patience, self-control, faithfulness, joy, and peace. In your day these gifts hold much more power than tongues or healing or prophecy. So seek and display these gifts, and the world around you will be in awe. This is the Lord.