1 Corinthians 14

Therefore, if I do not know the meaning of the language, I shall be a foreigner to him who speaks, and he who speaks will be a foreigner to me. (1 Cor 14:11)

Even though Paul was talking about the speaking of tongues here, there is a question we can ask ourselves when reading this chapter that has an emphasis on language.

Do you think Christians speak a different language compared to non-Christians? According to Paul, we do, or rather, we should (besides the speaking in tongues). More often than not, the words of a Christian seem foreign or incomprehensible to non-Christians.

What is the language of Christians then? Let’s read the chapter and find out.

Bible Passage:  1 Corinthians 14

Language of Love

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. (1 Cor 13:1)

But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you. (1 Cor 14:24-25)

Much has been said about love. Countless songs have been sung, innumerable poems written and a myriad of movies have been made – all about love.

However, the Christian language of love can be considered to be vastly different from the language of love that the people of the world speak and Paul described this in detail in the previous chapter. In this chapter, Paul reminds us that the purpose of Christian love is to bring man to know God so that they can be saved thus the Christian language of love is one that achieves this purpose.

Language of Edification

Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. (1 Cor 14:12)

How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. (1 Cor 14:26)

Another aspect of Christian language would be that of edification. A Christian speaks in order to build up the people around them. Not building up according to their own wishes but into spiritual temples that are pleasing to God.

Too often, we speak out of our own desires, our own emotions and our own ideals. Here, Paul reminds us that we have the duty to edify and our words play an important part in doing so. Since all things should be done for edification, we should use our language as a tool in this work of edifying and building up; for the good of others and not just a means to achieve our own purposes.

Language of Obedience

For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. (1 Cor 14:31)

Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. (1 Cor 14:34)

If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. (1 Cor 14:37)

Finally, the last aspect we will look at is that of obedience. In our individualistic society that emphasises so much on our rights and freedom, this can be said to be one aspect that is the most difficult.

However, let us remember that obedience is key in salvation and an obedient person will naturally speak the language of obedience. Not blind obedience that agrees to anything and everything but rather an obedience that stems from always putting God and others before ourselves.

Therefore, as we go about our lives today, let us be very conscious of what we are speaking and how our language distinguishes us.

Let us resolve to BE Christian and SPEAK Christian.

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