1 Corinthians 14:1-5
1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
1 Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. 4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification.
Love and using the gifts we are given by God should be things we want, but we should especially strive to bring forth the meaning of God’s word which we speak. That builds up others. Speaking in languages which are unknown to those around us and which we unnaturally acquire from God have value only when bringing out God’s word to those speaking those languages, or when God unnaturally gives another the ability to also understand those as at Pentecost and interpret for the edification of others. The reason for gifts is to build the body in love, not minister to ourselves only, so we should seek to bring forth God’s word and its meaning in order to build up, to edify, God’s people.
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