I witnessed a discussion between christians today and just wondered if the Bible has any insight to this.
One lady was saying she likes to pray in tongues especially when she doesnt know what to pray for.
But an elder man said that he did not have the gift of tongues even though he had asked for it.
I think the man felt put put out that the lady thought everyone ought to pray in tongues. Then another lady said one time she was praying for someone else and she started praying in tongues without even asking for it, but she doesnt feel like she has to use it all the time, because shes comfortable praying in her own tongue.
What do you think does God give everyone the gift of tongues or not? Should we ask for it if we dont have it, or is it just God gives to us when we need it.
I think it can get contentious when it doesnt need to be. But maybe people boast of this gift too much?
Personally I do sometimes pray in tongues when I dont know what to pray for but dont generally do that in front of others unless the spirit really gives me utterance to do so if theres another person who knows that tongue around...I mean out of courtesy to others. Why speak in tongues if nobody will understand what you are saying and there is no interpreter? I mean in private ok but with others generally no. I mean im not sure what my unknown tongue is exactly but someone else did once, but I dont expect everyone to know it! It was given to me and I didnt ask for it cos I didnt even know what it was at first.
Its more important that we prophesy but I think that some people do need to witness this sign gift they call it to know something spiritual has been birthed if they had never believed God can give them the words before. But maybe others just have faith and have no need of the evidence of tongues to believe, and thats good isnt it? Its not always necessary to speak in tongues especially when you dont know what you are saying! Its more of a witness to others if they know it, not for you..? It doesnt make you more spiritual does it?
I didnt add to this conversation or discussion but it was interesting to hear it. I know it has divided some churches and people get a bit funny about it. (I think).
One lady was saying she likes to pray in tongues especially when she doesnt know what to pray for.
But an elder man said that he did not have the gift of tongues even though he had asked for it.
I think the man felt put put out that the lady thought everyone ought to pray in tongues. Then another lady said one time she was praying for someone else and she started praying in tongues without even asking for it, but she doesnt feel like she has to use it all the time, because shes comfortable praying in her own tongue.
What do you think does God give everyone the gift of tongues or not? Should we ask for it if we dont have it, or is it just God gives to us when we need it.
I think it can get contentious when it doesnt need to be. But maybe people boast of this gift too much?
Personally I do sometimes pray in tongues when I dont know what to pray for but dont generally do that in front of others unless the spirit really gives me utterance to do so if theres another person who knows that tongue around...I mean out of courtesy to others. Why speak in tongues if nobody will understand what you are saying and there is no interpreter? I mean in private ok but with others generally no. I mean im not sure what my unknown tongue is exactly but someone else did once, but I dont expect everyone to know it! It was given to me and I didnt ask for it cos I didnt even know what it was at first.
Its more important that we prophesy but I think that some people do need to witness this sign gift they call it to know something spiritual has been birthed if they had never believed God can give them the words before. But maybe others just have faith and have no need of the evidence of tongues to believe, and thats good isnt it? Its not always necessary to speak in tongues especially when you dont know what you are saying! Its more of a witness to others if they know it, not for you..? It doesnt make you more spiritual does it?
I didnt add to this conversation or discussion but it was interesting to hear it. I know it has divided some churches and people get a bit funny about it. (I think).