Devotional - Day 3

Have you ever been in a conversation where someone was speaking, but you couldn't understand what they were trying to say? Maybe they used technical jargon you weren't familiar with, or perhaps they spoke in a way that seemed more designed to impress than to communicate. How did that make you feel? Probably confused, excluded, or even frustrated.

This is exactly the issue Paul addresses when he talks about spiritual gifts in the church. While all gifts are valuable, some are more immediately helpful for building up the community than others. Prophecy – which includes preaching and teaching that everyone can understand – serves the church better than speaking in tongues without interpretation because it provides clear teaching, encouragement, and comfort.

The principle here goes far beyond just speaking in tongues. It's about the heart behind our communication. Are we speaking to be understood, or are we speaking to sound impressive? Are we using our knowledge and abilities to include others and help them grow, or are we inadvertently creating barriers?

Paul's preference is striking: he would rather speak five understandable words that help others learn than thousands of words that sound spiritual but leave people confused. This reveals his heart – he genuinely cared more about others' spiritual growth than about appearing impressive.

In our daily interactions, we have countless opportunities to choose clarity over complexity, understanding over impression. Whether we're explaining our faith to a friend, teaching a Sunday school class, or simply having a conversation about life, we can ask ourselves: "Will this help the other person understand and grow, or am I just trying to sound smart?"

Clear, loving communication is a gift we can all develop, and it's one of the most practical ways we can build up our church family.

Today’s Bible Verse

"Nevertheless, in the church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue."

- 1 Corinthians 14:19

Reflection Question

In what areas of your life might you be using 'spiritual language' or complex explanations when simple, clear communication would better serve and include others?

Sermon Quote

“Nevertheless, in the church, I would rather speak five words with my mind, order to instruct others in other words in an orderly way, than 10,000 words in a language or a tongue.”

Prayer

Lord, help me to communicate with clarity and love. Give me wisdom to know when to speak and how to speak in ways that build others up rather than confuse or exclude them. May my words always serve others' understanding and growth. Amen.