The basic principle Paul insists on is that whatever is done in congregational meetings must contribute to the edification, that is, building up, of the congregation (3, 5b). He first stated this in 12:7, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” This also agrees with the previous chapter concerning the way of love. “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” (13:1)
What is spoken in congregational meetings, then, must be intelligible to the listeners, in the style and language they would understand, or at least interpreted. Even if the message is in the same language, if it is not in a style and dialect they are familiar with, it could hinder the message.
Years ago, I gave messages in countries where I did not speak the native language, and they did not speak mine. So I was given an interpreter. If I had not used one, my message would not have been received, and so I and my message would have been useless to them. The principle applies to speaking in tongues. Therefore, prophecy that is understood is better than tongues that no one understands.
The message is not only what I say, but how I say it. If a message is to be received, it needs to be conveyed in the best possible way. Communication is more than words. Communication involves dialect, style, and body language. Conviction and heart from the messenger is as much, if not more, of the message as the words. Even actors practice their art before they perform on a stage in front of an audience. Therefore, I should seek the gift of prophecy, present God’s messages to other, doing so in a manner that in a way that is best received by the audience. They should fall in love with Jesus, not fall asleep.
