1 Cor 14 deals with the use of spiritual gifts, specifically tongues and prophesy, in the church. Paul again says that acting with love is a vital part of employing spiritual gifts. Throughout this chapter, Paul repeatedly makes reference to the purposes of these gifts: so that the church may be edified(v.5), to build up the church ( v. 12), to instruct others (v.19), to demonstrate God's presence among you and to convince unbelievers of their sin so they will fall down and worship God (v. 24-25), for the strengthening of the church (v.26), and that everyone may be instructed and encouraged (v.31).

There seems to be a current problem that Paul is addressing regarding disorderly conduct in the use of spiritual gifts in the Corinth church. Paul gives extensive guidelines as to the use of spiritual gifts in the church ( v.26-40). Paul says in summary, "When you meet, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in an unknown language, while another will interpret what is said. But everything that is done must be useful to all and build them up in the Lord." (v.26). Paul calls for orderly conduct in the church to facilitate the effectiveness of the Spirit's manifestations, saying "God is not a God of disorder, but of peace"(v33) and "everything should be done in a proper and orderly way"(v40).