- "Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy."
Ref:1 Corinthians 14:1-null
Apostle Paul's aim in the above verse is not to diminish the value of tongues but to extol the benefit of prophesying. He speaks in a context; desire to prophesy if you intend to edify the church.
For "...he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men."
1 Corinthians 14:4
Speaking in tongues is primarily for self-edification. Should one intend to edify the church, then he must desire to interpret tongues.
"He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church."
1 Corinthians 14:4
The interpretation of tongues is what is known as prophecy. With this, supernatural insight is received. Paul calls it "the secrets of the heart laid bare" in 1 Corinthians 14:25.
The only way to demonstrate this gift is by desire. Just as you have desired to speak in tongues, desire to prophesy. It is made possible by the same spirit. So with the same zeal you sought to speak with tongues, seek to prophesy.
As you do so, words, psalms images, scripture, visions will burst forth in your heart. With these, you can edify the church.
Interestingly, this interpretation is not limited to just when we are in the local assembly. As you pray in tongues in your private place, you can choose to interpret. This is what Paul calls "praying in the understanding."
"What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding."
1 Corinthians 14:15.
If you consistently pray in this manner, you don't only end up speaking mysteries to God, their meaning is made clear to you through interpretation. Praying this way helps you receive supernatural insight for your life. Do this today!