Look for the Fakers

In the Pentecostal tradition, the experience of speaking in tongues is viewed as a gift of the Holy Spirit. This spiritual gift is believed to be a divinely inspired utterance that allows the speaker to communicate in a language that they do not know. The experience of speaking in tongues is often accompanied by a feeling of being filled with the Holy Spirit.

There are some who may fake the experience of speaking in tongues in order to gain attention or to appear spiritual. However, there are ways to tell if someone is truly speaking in tongues or if they are faking it.

One way to tell if someone is faking the experience of speaking in tongues is by their demeanor. Those who are truly speaking in tongues will often have a look of ecstasy on their face. They may also have their eyes closed or be nodding their head. In contrast, those who are faking it may have a look of concentration or effort on their face.

Another way to tell if someone is faking the experience of speaking in tongues is by the sounds that they are making. True speaking in tongues often sounds like gibberish or jabber. The words may be difficult to understand. In contrast, fakers often times will string together real words that are easily understood.

If you are unsure if someone is legitimately speaking in tongues, you can ask them to interpret what they are saying. Those with the gift of tongues will be able to interpret their own words. However, fakers will not be able to do this.

Ultimately, only God can know the heart of a person and whether or not they are truly speaking in tongues. However, these are some ways that you can tell if someone is faking the experience.

When encountering someone who claims to have the gift of tongues, the best way to determine if they are genuine is to ask them to interpret what they are saying. A true gift of tongues will be accompanied by the ability to interpret the words being spoken. If the individual is unable to provide an interpretation, then it is likely that they are not speaking in tongues at all, but rather are faking the gift.

When it comes to religious experiences, differentiating between what is real and what is fake can be difficult. This is especially true when it comes to the Pentecostal belief in Spirit-filled experiences and the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit.

There are some general things to keep in mind when trying to discern whether an experience is real or fake. First, does the experience glorify God or exalt self? Second, is the experience in line with Scripture? And finally, does the experience edify the body of Christ?

The best way to tell if someone is faking the gift of tongues or other gifts is by their fruit. By fruit, we mean their character and behavior. Are they living a life that is pleasing to God? Do they exhibit the fruit of the Spirit?

Galatians 5:22-23 says, 'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.'

If someone is displaying the fruit of the Spirit, then it is more likely that they have the genuine gift of tongues. However, if they are not displaying the fruit of the Spirit, then it is more likely that they are faking the gift of tongues.

Ultimately, only God knows the heart and motivations of a person, so we should not be quick to judge. We should always give people the benefit of the doubt and pray for them.

Keeping these things in mind, here are four specific ways to tell if someone is faking gifts of the Holy Spirit:

1. There is no evidence of a changed life.

One of the surest indicators that someone is faking gifts of the Holy Spirit is a lack of evidence of a changed life. If someone claims to have been filled with the Holy Spirit but their life looks no different than before, it is likely that they are either deceived or deliberately deceiving others.

2. There is an attempt to control others.

Another red flag that someone is faking gifts of the Holy Spirit is an attempt to control others through their words or actions. The Holy Spirit is a spirit of love and freedom, not control.

3. There is an focus on the supernatural.

While the Holy Spirit does work supernaturally in the lives of believers, He is not the star of the show. The focus should always be on Jesus, not the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit.

4. There is a lack of humility.

Finally, someone who is faking gifts of the Holy Spirit will often lack humility. The Holy Spirit is a humble spirit, and those who are truly filled with Him will display that humility.