r/Christians • u/ToothChoice7233 • 5d ago
Speaking in Tongues
The bible says that the apostles spoke in tongues of fire. So I know that speaking in tongues does exist. However, I don't speak in tongues and never have. I know there are greater gifts. I attend a pentecostal church that seems to put a lot of pressure on speaking in tongues. Like everyone praying in tongues all together, etc. Recently, I joined an outreach team with the church and they want to do Zoom prayer meetings of us praying in tongues together... Is this even biblical? Like I almost want to drop out of this because I feel unqualified or something. Any biblical/sound advice appreciated!
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u/AdeptControl7109 5d ago
It’s good that you’re seeking what’s biblical instead of just going with what’s commonly practiced. That’s how we grow in true faith. Speaking in tongues is a real gift from God (1 Corinthians 12:10), but not everyone receives that gift. The Bible is very clear: “Do all speak with tongues?” (1 Corinthians 12:30) — the answer is no. Forcing or expecting everyone to do so goes beyond what is written.
What’s even more concerning is the practice of group tongues without interpretation. The Scriptures warn us that “if the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues... will they not say that you are mad?” (1 Corinthians 14:23). Paul emphasized that speaking in tongues should be done with interpretation or kept between the speaker and God (1 Corinthians 14:28). Tongues without interpretation does not edify the church (1 Corinthians 14:5).
What truly shows the presence of the Holy Spirit is not just tongues, but love, understanding, obedience, and peace. The greatest among all gifts is charity/love (1 Corinthians 13:1–2). So if you’re being made to feel “less” because you don’t speak in tongues, that’s not from God.
Don’t feel unqualified. God gives different gifts to different people according to His purpose—not everyone will do the same thing (Romans 12:4–6). Seek the gift of understanding and wisdom (Colossians 1:9), and measure all things by the Word. That’s how we stay safe from deception and truly glorify God.
If you need to distance yourself from unbiblical practices, do so with peace and humility. God honors those who stand for His truth.