I have come to notice that many believers disregard the gift of interpreting tongues. In fact, some consider it to be a lesser gift among the nine gifts of the Holy spirit.
This perception mainly exists because a lot of attention has been drawn towards the gift of speaking in tongues as compared to the gift of interpretation.
This makes the gift of interpretation less common even in our churches and thus, the gift fails to receive the recognition it deserves.
As a passionate believer blessed with both the gift of speaking and interpreting tongues, I am obligated to advocate for this gift.
In this article, I will shed more light on the gift of interpreting tongues, its importance and why it should be treated with honor.
Understanding the power of the gift of interpreting tongues
The gift of interpreting tongues is one of the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit.
To another miraculous powers, to another prophesy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.
1 Corinthians 12:10
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are sufficient for the body of Christ; to nourish us and to point us back to the original plan that God intended for us. Let’s get this right, there is no gift that is more powerful than the other. They are all as important.
When it comes to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, it’s not really about the gifts but the Holy Spirit who is the giver of the gifts. Therefore, none of the gifts should be put in the balance against another.
Understanding the role of interpreting tongues
The gift of interpreting tongues primarily exists for the role of interpretation. Whenever interpretation is required, it means that there is a coded message that needs to be translated for understanding.
God speaks to us in a concealed language.
We all know the enemy seeks to steal, kill and destroy. It all began in the garden of Eden where the devil understood what God said to man concerning the tree of knowledge of good and evil and he took advantage of it.
On account of this, God created a system where He can communicate to us without the devil getting in the way, simply because he cannot understand.
The coded language in this case is speaking in tongues. This, in turn necessitated the need for decoding the language, which in this regard, is the interpretation of tongues.
Contrary to popular assumption, God never intended for tongues to be a mystery. He expects us to understand the tongues so we can hear from Him and take heed to His instructions.
For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the spirit of God.
1 Corinthians 2:11
When God codes a message in tongues, the Holy Spirit reveals it to us since He already knows God’s intentions. That is simply how the gift of interpreting tongues works.
Appreciating the impact of interpreting tongues
Many assume that the gift of interpretation of tongues is limited to human language only but it is not. The gift is designed to help us understand the language across all creation; be it the chirping of the birds, the singing of the trees, or the earth, sea, sun, and stars, speaking to God.
For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.
Romans 8:19
The verse above shows that all creation is actively living and communicates with God in languages that human beings cannot understand. Another instance is when Joshua commanded the Sun to stand still and it did.
As one advances in the gift of interpreting tongues, it goes beyond the human language and spreads out to other creation.
Allow me to share a short story.
One day, a friend of mine approached me looking all shocked and amazed. He explained that as he was relaxing in the fields, he heard a bird sing and to his surprise, he immediately perceived the meaning behind the whistling sounds of the bird. The bird was singing praises to God!
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.
1 Corinthians 13:1
Human beings speak in different tongues; tongues of men and tongues of angels. Tongues of men are the normal languages spoken by people while tongues of angels is a language understood in the angelic realm. Sometimes God uses angels to pass a message to men and that’s where the gift of interpretation applies.
When it comes to waging spiritual war, interpretation of tongues comes in handy because we receive divine strategies without the enemy’s knowledge.
During worship, our heavenly Father is able to tell us the kind of worship He desires from us at that moment through the gift of Interpreting tongues.
The impact of interpretation of tongues is incredible only that many are yet to tap into its power. It gives a believer great advantage that makes their spiritual life fruitful and full of honor.
The gift of interpretation of tongues also involves interpretation of dreams and visions. In the bible, God exalted people through this gift. Let’s take Daniel and Joseph as an example. These two were able to interpret dreams, a gift that earned them a seat at the King’s table.
The gift of interpretation is a wide and beautiful gift that gives us understanding and speedy spiritual growth. If you have been taking the gift lightly, then it’s time to take it into serious consideration.
The God who gives the gift of speaking in tongues will bless you with the gift of interpretation when you ask for it. Blessings!