EDIFYING YOURSELF
I Corinthians 13:2-4
"For he who speaks in a tongue [without interpretation] does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks exhortation, edification and comfort to men. But he who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church."
Speaking in tongues does not make sense to the natural mind. What is the purpose? But then, most of God's ways do not make sense to human understanding. His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). However, Paul brings clarity to the difference between personal tongues, and tongues and interpretation (which equals prophecy) in the assembly. Personal tongues, without interpretation, are for the edification or building up of the individual who is praying, while tongues and interpretation are for the edification of the church. Jude says, "Build yourself up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit" (Jude 20). And I, for one, can use all the building up I can get!
TODAY'S THOUGHT: Speaking in tongues sans interpretation edifies the individual while tongues with interpretation edifies the congregation.
Have an "edifying" day. Love you.
I Corinthians 13:2-4
"For he who speaks in a tongue [without interpretation] does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks exhortation, edification and comfort to men. But he who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church."
Speaking in tongues does not make sense to the natural mind. What is the purpose? But then, most of God's ways do not make sense to human understanding. His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). However, Paul brings clarity to the difference between personal tongues, and tongues and interpretation (which equals prophecy) in the assembly. Personal tongues, without interpretation, are for the edification or building up of the individual who is praying, while tongues and interpretation are for the edification of the church. Jude says, "Build yourself up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit" (Jude 20). And I, for one, can use all the building up I can get!
TODAY'S THOUGHT: Speaking in tongues sans interpretation edifies the individual while tongues with interpretation edifies the congregation.
Have an "edifying" day. Love you.
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