TONGUES VS PROPHESYING: AND THE WINNER IS....

Our passage in 1 Corinthians 14:1-17 compares speaking in tongues (languages) to prophesying. Both are spiritual gifts in the church at Corinth, but one of the two is said to be better at edifying others and building up the church. You guessed it: prophesying is the better gift because it is other-centered, while tongues is me-centered only edifying oneself.

This made me think about how we all need to be other-focused when we come to Faith Bible Church on Sunday. We need to encourage other believers and put their needs above our own. Have you ever been in a hurry to get to worship service or Sunday school class and don’t greet those you pass in the hallway? Ironically the sermon or Sunday school lesson that we ignored others to hurry to, will most likely teach that we should love and encourage others.

I love this verse in our passage: “But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.” Wow! God is telling me and you to pro-actively try to strengthen, encourage, and comfort others. It is so simple: a warm smile, a friendly “Good Morning”, holding the door for someone, or allowing another to go first when the hallways are crowded. How will you encourage someone this Sunday?