How to Receive the Gift of Speaking in Tongues

“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit… But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” —
1 Corinthians 12:4–11 (KJV)

Many believers today desire the gift of speaking in tongues, yet only few understand how it is truly received. Some were told it comes by force, others were told to repeat words, and some were deceived into believing it can be taught like a language.

But according to Scripture — and according to the revelations we have already established in this cluster — speaking in tongues is not learned, not rehearsed, and not manufactured.

It is a gift freely given by the Holy Spirit to those who have received Him.

In many churches today, confusion surrounds the subject of tongues. Denominational doctrines have complicated something the Bible explains with simplicity.

Some believers are told tongues is the only evidence of receiving the Holy Spirit, while others are told they can learn or imitate it to prove their spirituality. These errors have pushed many sincere believers into guilt, frustration, and unnecessary pressure.But Scripture shows us a clearer path — a path rooted not in emotion, denomination, or manipulation, but in the Word and the working of the Spirit.

Learn more about speaking in tongues in my pillar message.

How do you Receive the Gift of Speaking in Tongues?

To receive the gift of speaking in tongues, you must first receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, because speaking in tongues is a gift of the Holy Spirit according to 1 Corinthians 12:4–11. And to receive the Holy Spirit, you must follow the instruction in Acts 2:38:

“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

The Holy Spirit is the giver of tongues. Therefore, until you receive Him, you cannot receive His gift.

The Beauty and Simplicity of the Gift

Before we address how to receive the gift, we must first understand its beauty. Speaking in tongues is not a badge of spirituality. It is not a sign of superiority. It is not an achievement. It is a gift — a beautiful expression of the Spirit praying through a believer beyond the limitations of the human mind.

As we explained in the earlier message,
“Speaking in Tongues: A Gift of the Holy Spirit”,
tongues is not proof of salvation but a manifestation of the Spirit’s presence and purpose in the life of a believer.

And as we taught in
“Why the Disciples Spoke in Tongues at Pentecost”,
tongues is a sign of unity, restoration, and spiritual reconciliation.

The gift is beautiful not because of the sound of tongues, but because of the Spirit behind it.

Step 1: Understand That Tongues Is Not the First Step — The Holy Spirit Is

Many believers chase tongues but ignore the Spirit. But the Scripture says clearly:

“All these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” —
1 Corinthians 12:11

Tongues is one of the gifts the Spirit gives — not the Spirit Himself. This is why many who chase tongues remain spiritually empty. They want the gift but ignore the Giver.

And this error stems from denominational doctrines that insist tongues is the proof of the Spirit. But as we established in
“What God Says About Speaking in Tongues”,
Paul taught that tongues is the least of the gifts because it edifies the speaker alone.

Therefore, receiving the Holy Spirit must become the first desire of any believer who wants to speak in tongues.

Step 2: Follow the Apostolic Instruction — Repent and Be Baptized (Acts 2:38)

Receiving the Holy Spirit begins with repentance. Not remorse. Not regret. Repentance — a turning of the heart toward God.

“Repent… and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” — Acts 2:38

Repentance cleanses the heart. Baptism seals obedience. And the Holy Spirit fills what has been washed and yielded.

You cannot receive the Spirit while holding onto sin. You cannot receive the Spirit while resisting God. You cannot receive the Spirit while your heart remains unyielded. Pentecost happens only in surrendered vessels.

Step 3: Desire the Holy Spirit — Not Tongues

Many desire tongues but do not desire the Spirit. But Scripture says:

“He that hungers and thirsts…” — Matthew 5:6

God fills only those who desire Him. The Spirit is not given to spectators but to seekers.

At Pentecost, the disciples were not praying for tongues — they were waiting for the Promise. And when the Promise came, tongues followed.

Step 4: Yield Your Mind — Because Tongues Bypasses the Mind

In our earlier teaching
“The Meaning of Speaking in Tongues”,
we explained that, according to 1 Corinthians 14:14, speaking in tongues means praying in the Spirit without the mind’s participation.

“For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.” — 1 Corinthians 14:14

This is why tongues cannot be learned. The mind cannot produce it. The Spirit gives it. And to receive it, the mind must yield.

Too many believers block the flow of the Spirit because they want to understand before they obey. But the Scripture says the mind becomes unfruitful in tongues — not rebellious, not shut down, but unfruitful. Meaning the Spirit takes the lead.

Step 5: Open Your Mouth — Because the Spirit Gives Utterance, Not Silence

The Bible says:

“And they began to speak as the Spirit gave them utterance.” — Acts 2:4

Notice two actions:

They began to speak
The Spirit gave utterance

The Spirit gives utterance — but the believer must yield his voice.

A Final Prophetic Call

Beloved, if you desire this gift, seek not the tongues — seek the Spirit. Chase not the sound — chase the Presence. Hunger not for manifestations — hunger for the One who manifests.

And when He comes into your heart, tongues will follow according to His will, His timing, and His purpose.

For the same Spirit who united the nations at Pentecost still unites believers today when they experience Him in truth, surrender, and understanding.