He Was Already There
One Spirit, Many Beautiful Expressions
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” 1 Corinthians 12:7
More Than A Controversy
Few things can divide a room of Christians quite as quickly as talking about tongues.
My heart isn't to add to that division, but to lovingly explore something that might help us better understand and celebrate the Holy Spirit in one another.
Some have experienced praying in tongues as something beautiful and deeply personal. Others have been taught to question it or perhaps have felt less spiritual because they haven't experienced it.
What if we simply begin with the Holy Spirit Himself?
One Spirit, Many Expressions
Paul calls the gifts a “manifestation of the Spirit.” The Greek word phanerōsis carries the idea of making visible, bringing to light, or revealing what is present.
A manifestation doesn't create; it reveals.
And Paul doesn't give us only one manifestation. He describes wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, tongues, and interpretation—all flowing from the same Spirit.
Tongues doesn't mean someone possesses more of the Holy Spirit. It can be one way the Spirit who already lives within us reveals and expresses His presence.
When Words Aren't Enough
Paul says, “If I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays,” and then adds, “I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding.”
There is room for both.
Sometimes I know exactly what I want to say to Abba. Other times words seem inadequate. Either way, prayer has never depended upon my ability to say everything perfectly.
The Spirit already knows and helps me pray.
The Greater Wonder
Maybe tongues doesn't need to become something we fear, defend, prove, or use to measure one another.
For some, His presence may become beautifully expressed through tongues. Through another, extraordinary wisdom. Another may carry remarkable faith, discernment, healing, encouragement, mercy, or generosity.
Different expressions. Same Spirit. Same Love.
And always for the good of one another.
The wonder isn't that God manifests Himself through us in exactly the same way. The wonder is that the same Holy Spirit has made His home within each of us and delights in revealing His Love through the beautiful uniqueness of each of us.
Reflection
Where have my assumptions kept me from approaching the gifts of the Spirit with curiosity and grace?
How have I seen the Holy Spirit beautifully expressed through someone different from me?
What might He be revealing through the unique life He shares with me?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, awaken me to Your presence within us. Free me to celebrate the many beautiful ways You reveal Yourself through Your children, and let every gift become another expression of Your Love for one another. Amen.