1 Corinthians 12 - 14

Paul reminds the church in Corinth that they are a unified body, with skills and abilities that complement one another. Not all will have the same function, and not all will have the same amount of ability, but all are important to the proper functioning of their church.  The overriding principle is the exercise of love.  Regardless of the specific ability or gift they may have, it is to be used in love for the good and benefit of others in the body.  Those who speak on behalf of God must do so in a way that can be clearly understood and with the expected result of growth and maturity.  The gift of speaking on God's behalf is not for self-benefit, but for the maturity, encouragement and spiritual benefit of others.  The entire structure of the church's gatherings are to focus on this one point:  the instruction and encouragement of one another in light of what God has done and Who God is.