1 Corinthians 4:1 Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.
I'm stopping here in order to let this part sink in. It's important before we move too quickly into the next part of scripture.
2 For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. 3 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified.
6 Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction? 7 Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? 8 Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? 9 So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. 10 Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. 11 If then I do not grasp the meaning of what someone is saying, I am a foreigner to the speaker, and the speaker is a foreigner to me. 12 So it is with you. Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.
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It is of my opinion, that many pentecostals misunderstand this scripture. Some of their churches place tongues as one of the most important gifts, to the extent that it's evidence of people even having the Holy Spirit, more or less having spiritual gifts. This is wrong.
Most speaking in tongues benefits the speaker and not others who can not understand what is being said. Prophecy is here mentioned as more important.
I have noticed Trust that when I do not feel as loving or patience on some days, that I have a much harder time understanding what you are saying and other days I seem to understand much clearer. Could that have something to do with it? Or perhaps when you are not have a loving day, your words are more jumbled and others can not understand what you are trying to say? Love is very important.
The scripture tells me to eagerly desire the most important gifts. If I desire more of the gifts that edify myself, are we not doing some thing backwards? Not only that but people who do not believe that gifts are for today will only point to this error and see one more reason to not seek the rest of the gifts....because of how misused this gift is today.
It is my opinion that the reason we don't see more gifting in people, is that some do not seem to seek gifts that benefit "others".... and that some are misusing what they have already been given. The rest...is a matter of lack of faith or mere asking.
For basically if God gives you a spiritual gift and you don't use...it's taken away and given to another. I hate to think what happens if one misuses a gift.