I recently came across a comment on my YouTube channel that goes as follows:
Brother, is it possible to interpret tongues using phrases found in earthly languages? For example, if I continuously utter a word or phrase and develop a desire to know what it means, then search for it online using a translator and find a match in some random language, and my spirit bears witness that this is what I prayed , is that an illusion?
Whenever I receive questions about interpreting tongues, something usually stirs in my mind. Often, I feel hesitant to share such revelations, although I cannot fully explain why.
However, I have noticed a pattern. Whenever I hold back a revelation and later decide to share it, I often receive many messages of gratitude that make me wonder why I hesitated in the first place.
So, let’s unpack this one today.
Understanding the gift of tongues
The commenter asked whether it is possible to interpret tongues using phrases found in earthly languages.
The gift of speaking in tongues gives the believer the ability to speak in a variety of languages beyond their ordinary human understanding. They could be known human languages or heavenly languages.
The gift of interpreting tongues converts what is spoken in tongues into a meaningful message that the speaker can understand.
One important clarification is that the language into which you interpret your tongues is also part of the linguistic possibilities covered by the gift of tongues.
The role of desire in interpreting tongues
The commenter later mentioned a word that stood out to me: desire.
The greatest challenge in interpreting tongues is cultivating a strong enough desire to seek the meaning of what is being spoken. This is extremely important.
When the Holy Spirit wants you to pay attention to a particular word or phrase, He may cause it to repeat while you are praying in tongues.
Repetition is a way of drawing your attention. Each time the phrase is repeated, it gradually rises in your priority list until it becomes something you are compelled to understand.
Human beings naturally act on what is highest on their priority list. The Holy Spirit often uses repetition to push a phrase or message to the top of your spiritual attention so that you develop the desire to search for its meaning.
Taking action
After the Holy Spirit has successfully awakened a desire in you to know the meaning of a particular phrase, the next step becomes your responsibility.
At this stage, you must take action. The specific action you choose is up to you, but it must be an action taken in faith. The outcome often depends on your willingness to respond.
For example, the person asking the question mentioned using an online translator to check if any meaning appeared.
This illustrates an important spiritual principle. As long as your action is taken in faith, the Holy Spirit can use it as a channel to give interpretation.
Faith is the key that allows the interpretation process to proceed.
Internal Witness of the Spirit
The final and most difficult concept to explain is the witness of the spirit. The book of 1 Corinthians 2:11 says ‘For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them?’
In matters of interpreting tongues, you are often the only person who can truly understand the inner witness of your own spirit.
Once you receive that internal witness, believe it. Trust the understanding given to you, because the interpretation is completed at the level of faith.
Conclusion
The person followed all the correct steps in interpreting their tongues. The interpretation was valid and complete. The only place he hesitated was at the final step, which was believing what he had received.
I hope this question has given you some insight into how to interpret your own tongues.
God bless you!
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