Dr Lester Sumrall once said that there are two foundations in the Church from which spiritual gifts will operate healthily and perfectly. They are (a) unity and (b) love. Without these two elements present in the Church, the Holy Spirit will not give spiritual gifts to the people and even when given, the gifts will slowly fade away. The purpose of spiritual gifts is not just for self edification but for the edification of every one else.
Dr Lester further explained that one of the most destructive forces against the unity in Church is schism. He defined schism as “a division or separation.”
“God does not want a schism in the Church. He does not want us fighting with one another. When a person comes to you grumbling or finding fault with another person, don’t even argue with him. The best way to put a stop to it is by saying ‘Why don’t we pray about that situation ? God will take care of it for you.
It is the beginning of the moving of God’s power among us when we start caring one for another, really caring. There should be a real spiritual relationship among God’s people.
It is so easy to become selfish and isolated, to separate ourselves when God wants us to flow in the Body. You cannot see yourself as a separate entity. You cannot go off into a corner and say, ‘Look at me. I’m really great !’ No, you are not great. God is great. Jesus is great ; the Holy Spirit is great ! You are what you are because of what God did for you through Jesus.”
( The Gifts and Ministries of the Holy Spirit – Dr Lester Sumrall)