#57 SPEAKING IN TONGUES AND THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT 8-30-26
The subject of speaking in tongues has created much discussion and disagreement among sincere Christians. Some believe the miraculous gift of tongues continues today, while others believe these gifts served a specific purpose in the early church and ceased when that purpose was fulfilled. There are good biblical reasons to believe that the miraculous gift of tongues was temporary, particularly when we consider its connection with the apostles, the confirmation of the gospel, and the foundational period of the church (Mark 16:17-20; Acts 2:1-11; Hebrews 2:3-4; 1 Corinthians 13:8-10). Therefore, while we should be gracious toward those who sincerely believe they possess this gift, I believe it is highly unlikely that what is commonly called “speaking in tongues” today is the biblical gift of tongues.
But even if someone could prove to me that the gift of tongues is still being given today, that would not change what matters most. Paul made it clear that spiritual gifts were never intended to become a badge of spiritual superiority. The Corinthians were fascinated with gifts, yet their lives were marked by jealousy, division, pride, and disorder. Paul redirected their attention from spectacular gifts to something far greater: love (1 Corinthians 12:29-31; 13:1-3). A person may speak in tongues, prophesy, understand mysteries, possess great knowledge, and demonstrate remarkable spiritual experiences, yet without love, it amounts to nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
The real evidence of the Spirit’s work in our lives is not how impressive our spiritual experiences appear, but what kind of people those experiences are making us. The fruit of the Spirit is “love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). I would rather see a Christian who patiently loves difficult people, forgives offenses, controls his temper, serves others, walks humbly, and lives faithfully than someone who claims the most spectacular spiritual gift imaginable. Gifts may attract attention, but fruit reveals character. Whatever we believe about tongues, let us make this our pursuit: not to appear spiritual, but to become more like Jesus.
BDD
