We are all responsible for strengthening the church, encouraging one another and comforting one another.

We each need to grow up in our faith.

We are either building up the body or tearing it down with our words and actions.

The world needs to hear a clear cut, solid presentation of the Good news, the Gospel. It takes a team or a body to do this.

Be sure you are using words and terms people clearly understand.

A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church.

I wish you could all speak in tongues, but even more I wish you could all prophesy. For prophecy is greater than speaking in tongues, unless someone interprets what you are saying so that the whole church will be strengthened.

Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.

And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

And the same is true for you. Since you are so eager to have the special abilities the Spirit gives, seek those that will strengthen the whole church.

Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.

Respect everyone, and love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God, and respect the king.

Now regarding the questions you asked in your letter. Yes, it is good to live a celibate life.

Dear brothers and sisters, if I should come to you speaking in an unknown language, how would that help you? But if I bring you a revelation or some special knowledge or prophecy or teaching, that will be helpful.

Even lifeless instruments like the flute or the harp must play the notes clearly, or no one will recognize the melody.

And if the bugler doesn't sound a clear call, how will the soldiers know they are being called to battle?

It's the same for you. If you speak to people in words they don't understand, how will they know what you are saying? You might as well be talking into empty space.