Why is Speaking in Tongues So Controversial?

Tongues and the Interpretation of Tongues:

Tongues and its co-partner, the interpretation of tongues, are spiritual gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit, and not the devil. (See 1 Cor. 12:10.)

The Purpose of the Gift of Tongues:

The Holy Spirit prays through us when we don’t know how. “Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses, for we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” (Rom. 8:26-27).
Our spirit prays for the unknown. “For he who speaks in an unknown tongue does not speak to men, but to God. For no one understands him, although in the spirit, he speaks mysteries.” (1 Cor. 14:2).
To build ourselves up. “He who speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.” (1 Cor. 14:4).
So supernatural power can flow through us. “He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:38).

The Purpose for the Interpretation of Tongues:

When we are in a public setting we need the gift of interpretation of tongues to be in operation so that the supernatural message can be understood by all. First Corinthians 14:13 gives us instruction concerning this situation, “Let him who speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.”

I believe, just like the pastor from the conservative denomination believed and received after he heard a clear Biblical presentation concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the gift of tongues and the interpretation of tongues that many others from mainline denominations will be open to receive when they hear the truth presented with clarity.

Becky Dvorak is a healing minister and the Destiny Image author of DARE to Believe and Greater Than Magic. Visit her at authorbeckydvorak.com.