TONGUES: The Overlooked Fruit Of The Spirit-Filled Life. Speaking in tongues has been a divisive issue ever since the time God confused the language of the people at Babel. At Pentecost once more God created confusion as the disciples of the Son of God broke out speaking in tongues. Later the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians urging them not to neglect praying in unknown tongues so that they might be strengthened in their faith. Paul claimed that he spoke in tongues more than anyone when praying to God.

In many modern Christian circles, speaking in tongues has been relegated to the periphery—viewed as either optional, obsolete, or an emotional excess. Even among some Pentecostals and Charismatics, its role has been reduced to a mere signpost marking the moment of Spirit baptism. But this is a tragic reduction. Scripture presents tongues not merely as a one-time sign but as a vital, ongoing fruit of a Spirit-filled life—a spiritual discipline that brings edification, intimacy with God, and alignment with the Spirit’s will.

This position paper argues that speaking in tongues is part of the "fruit of the lips" (Hebrews 13:15), and as such, should be understood not only as evidence of Spirit baptism but as a continuing manifestation of the Spirit's indwelling presence. Tongues belong within the larger framework of discipleship, fruit-bearing, and empowered prayer.

The Fruit of the Lips Includes Tongues

Hebrews 13:15 says: "Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name." While often interpreted as verbal thanksgiving, this verse includes all Spirit-led vocal expressions. In 1 Corinthians 14:15, Paul writes: *"I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the understanding also. I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the understanding also."

This dual language of spirit and understanding clearly identifies glossolalia (tongues) as a form of praise and prayer. When a believer speaks or sings in tongues, they are offering sacrificial fruit from the innermost place of spiritual communion.

Romans 8:26 and the Spirit's Deep Utterance

Romans 8:26 says: "Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."

Commentators such as Jameson, Fausset & Brown suggest this refers to a spiritual language too deep to be expressed in natural speech. Pentecostal interpretation identifies these “groanings” with the practice of praying in tongues—an act in which the Holy Spirit prays through the believer, bypassing human limitations.

Tongues are thus not merely human language or emotional expression but Spirit-driven intercession that arises when human language fails.

Tongues Are Edifying and Ongoing

Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 14:4: *"He that speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself."

This self-edification is not selfishness; it is spiritual nourishment and preparation for ministry and holiness. Tongues are not meant to be a momentary flash but a sustained discipline in the believer's life. Paul didn’t say he "once" spoke in tongues—he said, "I thank God I speak in tongues more than you all" (1 Corinthians 14:18).

Tongues are a means of ongoing spiritual fruitfulness, not a dated initiation rite.

The Overlooked Fruit of a Spirit-Yielded Life

When believers bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), it is often assumed this refers only to attitudes like love, peace, and patience. But the fruit of a Spirit-yielded life includes what flows from the mouth as well. Jesus said, "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45).

A life immersed in the Spirit will not only produce moral fruit but also verbal fruit—including supernatural utterance. Tongues become one of the clearest markers that the believer is not only indwelt but continuously filled with the Spirit.

A Missed Gift for Many Believers

Those who have not received or pursued tongues often misunderstand or avoid it out of fear, poor teaching, or theological bias. But the New Testament presents tongues as a desirable and expected aspect of life in the Spirit. Paul writes, "I want you all to speak in tongues" (1 Corinthians 14:5), and Jude 1:20 exhorts believers to *"build yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit."

To neglect tongues is to miss a dimension of spiritual intimacy, power, and obedience that God intends for every believer.

Patristic and Historical Witnesses

Early Church Fathers give compelling testimony to the continuation of spiritual gifts:

• Irenaeus (c. 180 AD) wrote that in his time, "we do hear many brethren in the Church who possess prophetic gifts, and who through the Spirit speak all kinds of languages" (Against Heresies, Book 5).

• Tertullian affirmed glossolalia and charismatic gifts in North Africa, especially among Montanists.

• The Montanist movement itself, though eventually declared heretical for excesses, preserved early charismatic experiences, including tongues and prophecy.

Throughout history, the flame flickered in various revivals: the Celtic Church, Moravians, Methodist revivals, and finally the Azusa Street Revival (1906), which restored speaking in tongues as a normative experience in the modern church.

Distinguishing Between Abuse and Authenticity

Some reject tongues due to abuses, confusion, or association with fringe groups. But abuse is no reason for abandonment. Paul didn’t ban tongues in Corinth—he regulated them (1 Corinthians 14). The existence of false fire does not discredit the real.

Biblically, tongues are not:

• Babel-like confusion

• Mindless repetition

• A means of manipulation

They are:

• A gift of the Holy Spirit

• For personal edification and public interpretation

• A form of divine utterance that aligns the human spirit with God’s will

Conclusion

Tongues are not merely the initial evidence of Spirit baptism; they are part of the ongoing fruit of the Spirit-filled life. They nourish the soul, glorify God, align us with divine will, and bring heaven’s language into earthly hearts. To recover this practice is not to elevate one gift above others, but to restore a vital channel of communion that has too long been dismissed or downplayed.

Let us no longer treat tongues as a novelty, an embarrassment, or an optional accessory to the Christian life. Let us embrace them as what they truly are: a gift, a fruit, and a fire that makes the believer whole, heaven-aware, and fully alive in the Spirit.

Let us no longer treat tongues as a novelty, an embarrassment, or an optional accessory to the Christian life. Let us embrace them as what they truly are: a gift, a fruit, and a fire that makes the believer whole, heaven-aware, and fully alive in the Spirit.

Enhancement Plan: Historical and Patristic Support

I’ll add a supplemental section drawing from:

1. Early Church Fathers – References to tongues, Spirit baptism, and prophetic speech:

   • Irenaeus (Against Heresies, c. 180 AD)

   • Tertullian (On the Soul, Against Marcion)

   • Origen and others, showing continuationist expectation

2. Historical Continuity – Highlighting:

   • Montanist revival (2nd century) and how it, despite being condemned, preserved early charismatic practice

   • Wesleyan-Holiness stream leading to early Pentecostalism

   • Charles Parham, William Seymour, and Azusa Street (1901–1906) as recovery of Spirit-baptized tongues

3. Clarifying Misunderstandings – Distinguishing between:

   • Biblical glossolalia and ecstatic cult practices

   • Prophetic tongues and devotional tongues

4. Final Exhortation – Framing tongues as a gift rejected by much of the Church, yet one God is restoring in the last days.