Language is a fascinating concept to me. Both concrete objects and abstract ideas are represented by combinations of sounds we make with our mouths. Very small children begin to learn it before they can learn many other things. A linguistics professor I took a couple classes from in college believed that language is the only thing that sets humans apart from animals—so for him, it was significant.
Of course, the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us that there’s much more than the capacity for speech that sets humankind apart.
No matter what languages we are fluent in, one language that rises above them all in importance. Just as we’re born needing to learn at least one language to communicate with those around us, there’s another language we need to learn. And this one can take much longer.
That language is the language of the Holy Ghost.
That may sound like an odd turn of phrase because the Lord speaks the language I speak, of course. “For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding” (2 Nephi 31:3).
Further, about 80% of human communication is nonverbal. Interestingly, words are but one way that the Holy Ghost can communicate with us. How else can that communication happen?
Jesus taught Nicodemus: “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit” (John 3:8).
Paul wrote to the Roman saints: “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (Romans 8:16).
In other words, when we have been born of the Spirit—received the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands and therefore a right to his constant companionship—we can receive frequent communication directly to our spirits, not detected by our natural senses but no less real.
Consider these teachings and experiences from the scriptures about the ways we can receive this communication:
- A fire of testimony: “And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:32); “notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn” (3 Nephi 11:3).
- Understanding, insight, or recollection: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).
- Confirmation of gospel teachings: “when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men” (2 Nephi 33:1).
- Peace: “Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter?” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:23).
Just as learning any language, learning how the Holy Ghost communicates takes time—even a lifetime. Not just time is required, but also experience. In the Parable of the Foreign Adage, Jeanette heard a German saying from her neighbor, and as time passed, she went from being curious to learning the surface meaning and finally to understanding by experience.
In a similar way, with time and experience come recognition, confidence, and the blessings. My wife experiences certain feelings if the Holy Ghost is telling her a course of action she’s considering isn’t right. Some years ago, her sharing that with me helped when I was considering a contract position because I was feeling that same way. So I could see what the Holy Ghost was trying to tell me. This is but one of many examples from personal experience.
The language of the Holy Ghost is the most important language we can learn. If you have not yet received the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands by one with authority, I invite you to seek out that gift through the Church restored by Jesus Christ in our time, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This prize is worth the quest.
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