For many years, I was a firm believer in speaking in tongues. I saw it as a powerful, personal experience of the Holy Spirit—a gift that allowed me to connect with God on a deeper level. I believed it was a mark of spiritual maturity, something that confirmed my faith and brought me closer to God. But over time, my perspective shifted, leading me to question and ultimately let go of this practice. This journey has been deeply personal, shaped by study, reflection, and prayer. Here’s how I came to my current belief.
My Early Experiences with Tongues
In the early days of my faith, I was introduced to speaking in tongues as an essential part of Christian life. I saw it regularly in church, and leaders encouraged it as evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work. I remember the first time I prayed earnestly for the gift, hoping to experience that same closeness with God that I had seen in others.
The experience was intense and emotional, and I genuinely felt it brought me closer to God. At the time, I didn’t question it; speaking in tongues seemed to be a natural and powerful expression of faith. It wasn’t just a practice—it was something that felt deeply spiritual, a way to connect with God beyond words.
What Led Me to Question the Practice
As I grew in my faith and began studying Scripture more deeply, I found myself wrestling with some of the teachings and practices I had once accepted without question. The turning point came as I started to explore what the Bible actually says about tongues. I began reading passages like 1 Corinthians 12–14, where Paul addresses the gift of tongues, its purpose, and its limitations. Paul emphasizes that while tongues are a gift, they are not the defining mark of faith or maturity.
In 1 Corinthians 12:30, Paul asks rhetorically, “Do all speak in tongues?” implying that not every Christian will have this gift. This raised a question for me: if tongues are not meant for everyone, why was it being presented as a necessary or superior expression of faith?
Scripture’s Purpose for Tongues
As I continued to study, I found that the Bible describes tongues as a specific, purposeful gift meant primarily for the early church. In Acts 2, when the apostles first spoke in tongues, it was not in a private, ecstatic language but in actual languages that others could understand. The miracle of tongues allowed people from different nations to hear the gospel in their own language, signifying the breaking of cultural barriers and the inclusivity of God’s message.
In 1 Corinthians 14:22, Paul writes, “Tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers,” indicating that tongues served as a sign to non-believers to witness the power of God. This purpose seemed different from what I had been taught. Rather than being a personal prayer language, the biblical gift of tongues was meant as a public sign to authenticate the gospel.
Concerns About Modern Practice
Another factor that led me to question tongues was observing how it is practiced today. Modern “tongues” often do not resemble the biblical gift described in Acts, where tongues were intelligible languages spoken for the benefit of others. Instead, they often seem like private, ecstatic utterances that lack interpretation, which Paul specifically warns against in 1 Corinthians 14:27-28. Paul instructs that if anyone speaks in a tongue, there should be an interpreter; otherwise, the speaker should remain silent in the church.
This raised concerns for me, as I saw that much of the modern practice did not align with biblical guidelines. The focus seemed more on personal experience than on edification or evangelism. Over time, I began to see that tongues, as practiced today, often lacked the biblical purpose of edifying the church or reaching unbelievers.
The Role of the Holy Spirit Without Tongues
One of the hardest parts of letting go of tongues was wondering if I would lose a sense of closeness with the Holy Spirit. For so long, I had equated speaking in tongues with the Holy Spirit’s presence and work in my life. But as I studied Scripture more, I realized that the Holy Spirit’s role is far greater than any single gift. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)—are the real indicators of His presence in a believer’s life.
This shift helped me see that my faith did not depend on a particular gift. I could experience the Holy Spirit’s power in many ways—through prayer, Scripture, worship, and the daily transformation of my heart. Speaking in tongues was not necessary to have a deep, Spirit-filled life; the true evidence of the Spirit’s work is seen in character and faithfulness, not in outward signs.
Finding Peace in a Biblical Understanding
Letting go of the practice of speaking in tongues wasn’t easy. It meant stepping away from something that had been a significant part of my spiritual life. But in doing so, I found a deeper peace and freedom. I no longer felt pressure to pursue a specific experience to validate my faith. Instead, I found assurance in the gospel, in the sufficiency of Christ, and in the power of God’s Word.
My faith today is grounded not in experiences or gifts but in the truth of Scripture and the knowledge that God’s Spirit is with me, guiding and transforming me. The Bible has given me a clearer understanding of what it means to live a Spirit-filled life—one that is rooted in truth, humility, and love.
Reflection Questions
- How has your understanding of spiritual gifts changed over time?
- What role does Scripture play in shaping your beliefs and practices?
- How do you experience the Holy Spirit’s presence and work in your life apart from specific signs or gifts?