There are doubtless many different kinds of sounds in the world, and nothing is without sound. If then I do not know the meaning of a sound, I will be a foreigner to the speaker and the speaker a foreigner to me. So with yourselves; since you are eager for spiritual gifts, strive to excel in them for building up the church. (1Corinthians 14: 10-12)

The gathering at Corinth featured many differences: gender, ethnicity, culture, religious background, economic means, spiritual guides, and - it is clear - a difference of opinion regarding the role of speaking in tongues.

Paul consistently celebrates these differences. He perceives them as strengths and teaches much more than tolerance. We are to love one another.

He discourages thoughtless display of difference, as when the rich eat well while the poor go hungry. He discourages silly provocations, as with head covering.

Paul calls for all our varied strengths to be dedicated to the building up - oikodome - of the ekklesia. We derive ecclesiastical from this Greek word. It is often translated as church. But for the Greek speaking world this was a political assembly of citizens.

Our individual gifts are intended by God to advance the good of the whole community.