question about speaking in tongues

[MoNiCa4316]

:wave:I had a thought just now but I'm not sure if I'm correct.. so I'm wondering what you all think :)
You know those people who claim that they receive "handwritten messages" from God, like when their hand sort of starts writing things on its own? I read in an article on spiritual discernment that this is always from the devil and there hasn't been one approved case of this in the Church. (I agree)

I was wondering if maybe this is also a way to distinguish real and 'fake' speaking in tongues... because there have been cases when demon possessed people "spoke in tongues" but obviously it wasn't from the Holy Spirit. When people really have this gift and it's from God, is it more like the words are given to them internally and they say them out loud? And when people are being deceived, maybe they feel their mouth moving on its own (like in my example with writing)..?

I don't speak in tongues so I don't know how it's like really..
but what do you all think?

(maybe I'm totally wrong here)

thanks :)

[Simon_Templar]

I don't think the Holy Spirit ever 'posesses' people if thats what you are asking. He may prompt a person strongly, and hound a person till they give in.. but I don't believe he would ever take control of a person, thats not how he works. So in general of something is out of your control, like you couldn't stop even if you wanted to, or you are pushed back into yourself like an observer.. I would say that was not of God.

[MoNiCa4316]

oki thanks! :) that makes sense. yea that's pretty much what I was asking about.

[plmarquette]

what is the fruit ? do they change , are they convicted of sin and make a concerted effort to distance themselves from people , places, and things that tempt and weaken them ...

are they peacemakers , attend church regularly , give of time , talent, and money ...

are they consumed with all and anything religious , bible, tracts, commentaries , history...

then the tongue or manifestation got their attention, healed their heart, and they have had an epiphany ...

[toolite]

When the Holy Ghost is upon someone and then they can speak in tongues. Everyone doesn't speak in tongues. When ever the Holy Ghost is upon you and you go into the spirit you are not aware- its when you are coming out then you realize. I spoke in tongues one time as a child and now I have dreams and visions.

Lord forgive me but, I will say some mimick and I am not judging them but, I can tell because the Holy Ghost isn't present.

[icedtea]

In my case, and others I've known, we can, but its not deciferable. Its just our holy prayer language, when our hearst cry out to God with our prayers, but we are wanting to 'commune' with Him.
Though I used to go to a church where they did have interpretations.

[hawko]

It might be possible for the evil one to speak through someone in a counterfeit prayer tongue, I don't know, I guess anything is possible. I would not focus on this topic, or even give it much though for that matter. Everyone is always focused on what the devil can and cannot do. He is only a fallen angel, and only has the power that was granted to him by God. The Lord is in control everywhere and all the time. I suppose the ultimate test to see if something is from God or not is to look at the fruits. Is this person living a holy life or not. Look at the fruits to see what kind of tree it came from.