I Corinthians 14

“So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church” (v12). Paul had noticed that the Corinthians were focusing rather extremely on speaking in tongues. He reminded them that without interpretation, speaking in tongues does not build up the Body of Christ – though privately our spirits are communing with the Lord (v2). When believers gather, the point is to be together in worship, and our spiritual gifts should be used to encourage one another.

Paul told believers to pursue spiritual gifts for the sake of others: “for edification and exhortation and consolation” (v3) – strengthening God’s people.