When we cross the threshold of conversion and comply with the requirements of covenant ordinances, having purified ourselves to the extent that the Holy Ghost becomes our constant companion, we can speak with the tongue of angels (see also 2 Nephi 32:2; Alma 29:1–9; 32:23). Angels speak the words of Christ. The words of Christ embrace and convey the essence of salvation and exaltation. We can speak this language when we follow the promptings of the Spirit and follow the footsteps of the Redeemer.
The question of conscience is this: Can we truly speak this new language, as if with the tongue of angels? When we follow Christ, we do our best to emulate His life and keep His commandments. This is not always an easy task—and it was not intended to be easy. It takes effort and diligence. Like Nephi (see the “Psalm of Nephi,” 2 Nephi 4:17–35), we often struggle, but having acknowledged our weaknesses before the Lord, we will indeed be strengthened by Him (see Ether 12:27). The questions in our heart and soul are these: Are we doing our very best? Do we follow the Savior Jesus Christ with full purpose of heart? Are we speaking His words—both with our mouths and with our actions? If we prayerfully seek His guidance and support, we will be filled with the Spirit and speak the language of the gospel in all we do.
Memories: With the Tongue of Angels
Many years ago I became acquainted with a noble and sincere gentleman who had an Evangelical Christian background. He had studied the Book of Mormon and became convinced of its truth. Having attended our church meetings on several occasions, he mentioned to me one day that our worship pattern is fairly restrained, with little of the enthusiastic and spontaneous “Praise the Lord” occurrences from the audience that he had become accustomed to in his own religious upbringing. In response, I opened the Book of Mormon and read with him a passage from 2 Nephi 31 concerning the promise of the Lord that the converted would be able to speak a new kind of language: “then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel” (2 Nephi 31:13; compare 2 Nephi 32:2; Alma 29:1–9; 32:23).
My friend was intrigued with this passage. I explained to him that this new language is made manifest in several ways: through the speeches and lessons we may be invited to give from time to time; through the bearing of testimonies on fast Sunday and on other occasions where our feelings of praise and gratitude for the Lord come forth naturally and with heartfelt sincerity; through our hymns of praise and thanksgiving; and, most especially, through our patterns of behavior. It is how we live that reflects our understanding of the words of Christ. Our actions speak louder than our words. The Lord commanded: “And the members shall manifest before the church, and also before the elders, by a godly walk and conversation, that they are worthy of it, that there may be works and faith agreeable to the holy scriptures—walking in holiness before the Lord” (D&C 20:69).
My friend seemed satisfied with our discussion. Since then, I have thought about his question often, remembering also what Alma said on one occasion: “O THAT I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!” (Alma 29:1). But when he thought about that wish, and about his circumstances, he restrained himself with the consolation: “I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy” (Alma 29:9). We can indeed be instruments in the hands of the Lord in carrying His gospel message to the ends of the earth—doing so in meekness and gratitude by using the words of salvation and inspiration. The Lord has stated: “He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances” (D&C 52: 16). It is in this manner, as we are moved upon by the Holy Ghost, that we can speak with the tongues of angels. (Richard J. Allen)