The Gift of Tongues

“And again, it is given to some to speak with tongues;” (D&C 46:24). The gift of speaking with tongues is much broader than merely being able to speak in a variety of languages. Although there are estimated to be over 7000 languages, in reality, each of us really had our own language. All of us have our own way of understanding the world, our own understanding of individual words, even. The true intent of this gift is to allow us to communicate in the Lord's way. “For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding.” (2 Nephi 31:3). The true gift of tongues is being able to communicate with God's children according to their own unique understanding. When we are truly blessed with the gift of tongues, we will be able to express our thoughts in a way that will resonate most deeply with those to whom we are speaking. When we speak with the gift of tongues, we do not give up when the first misunderstandings arise. To those that we are sincerely seeking to love with the pure love of Christ, we will speak and listen and try to rephrase things and speak again and listen again until we have finally found a way to let the communication flow between us with no interruption or impedance. Having our hearts so thoroughly knit together in loving communication will truly be a gift.