How to Appreciate Speaking in Tongues

Realize that speaking in tongues was promised by Jesus and was to accompany belief: And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name ...they will speak in new tongues. Mark 16:17

Realize that it is the Holy Spirit who gives the words that you speak and not you yourself: "And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." Acts 2:4

Understand that when you speak in tongues you are talking to God: -- even though occasionally it may be understood by someone as a human language as it was at Pentecost. Its principle purpose is for talking to God. "For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries." (1 Corinthians 14:2)

Use speaking in tongues to edify yourself or build yourself up spiritually. This is not a selfish thing, but rather the purpose is that when you are built up in your spirit then you can build up or encourage others. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 1 Corinthians 14:4

Don't expect to understand what you are saying. You have control over the volume and the speed at which you speak but not the content, for example as prayer language: For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 1 Corinthians14:14

When in private, use speaking in tongues as much as you can. Paul appreciated the benefit of speaking in tongues, that's why he said, I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 1 Corinthians 14:18

When in public, it is much better to speak in the language of the region in order to benefit those you are speaking to. Yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. 1 Corinthians 14:19

Understand that when you pray in tongues, you give thanks to God: and that you bless with the Spirit. But again it is mainly meant for private use -- as it does not help others who can't understand what you're saying. (1 Corinthians 14:16-17)

Be assured that when you speak in tongues, you're not saying anything bad about God or our Lord Jesus Christ: Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 1 Corinthians 12:3 "For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent." Zephaniah 3:9

Understand that speaking in tongues is defined as praying in the Spirit: We should pray both in the Spirit (tongues) and in the understanding (your natural language). 1 Corinthians 14:14-15

Pray in the Spirit (tongues) to build yourself up in your faith. Jude 20

Understand that speaking in tongues was prophesied by Isaiah in the Old Testament as a sign to the Jews. (Isaiah 28:11, 1 Corinthians14:21, Matthew 11:28-30)

Understand that praying in the Spirit is part of the armour of God: and we are told to put on the whole armour of God Ephesians 6:10 and 18 "Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere." (Ephesians 6:18)

Understand what it means when the Bible says "Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not.": (1Corinthians14:22) This is not a contradiction to when Jesus said believers would speak in tongues as a sign. Think about what a sign is. Your hometown may have a sign at the entry saying "Welcome to my town" and also local street signs to help you find your way around; this is very helpful for a first time visitor, but if you live there -- then you no longer need the sign -- because you know that you live there and know your way around. However, the signs remain, and you wouldn't want to take them down. This is similar to speaking in tongues. Once you know you have it, it is no longer a sign -- but for someone about to enter in, it is a sign.

Remember that when using speaking in tongues, or even talking about it, you should be aiming to edify others: and that it must be done in the context of love. (1 Corinthians 14:26, 1 Corinthians 13:1)

Understand that there is a procedure for speaking in tongues in a church meeting: Don't all speak in tongues at once, but instead only up to 3 people can use speaking in tongues in any meeting and each one should then operate the manifestation of interpretation of tongues, given to us by God . Everything should be done decently and in order (with courtesy for example) and tongues should not be forbidden from meetings. (1 Corinthians 14:23-27 and 39-40)