Romans 12:4-15 NKJV

[4] For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, [5] so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. [6] Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; [7] or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; [8] he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. 

[9] Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. [10] Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; [11] not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; [12] rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; [13] distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. [14] Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. [15] Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 

Here Paul speaks of the gifts of the spirit and acting out the office one is entrusted with. Directly after, he addresses loving in a genuine and non hypocritical way. 

We will see the same pattern in the letter to the Corinthian church. 

I Corinthians 12:7-31 NKJV

[7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: [8] for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, [9] to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, [10] to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. [11] But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. [12] For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. [13] For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. [14] For in fact the body is not one member but many. [15] If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? [16] And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? [17] If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? [18] But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. [19] And if they were all one member, where would the body be? [20] But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. [21] And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” [22] No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. [23] And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, [24] but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, [25] that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. [26] And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. [27] Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. [28] And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. [29] 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? [31] But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.

The “more excellent way” Paul refers to leads directly in to 1 Corinthians 13: the famous love chapter of the Bible. The more excellent way is to love in truth and purity. Not fulfilling some righteous acts just because of status or position but doing all in love. 

Because if we have all gifts, and speak in the tongue of men and of angels and have not love we are nothing but a clanging cymbol: something that brings offense. If we can understand all mysteries and all knowledge and have not love we are still nothing. 

We must function in our gifts as part of the body, not envying or invalidating each other, but genuinely showing love, encouraging one another and building each other up. 

We must use our gifts wisely within the love of Christ because this is the more excellent way according to both Romans 12 AND  1 Corinthians 12. We must put the love of Christ in to our interactions with the BODY of Christ and function together as one body.