Here is the full context of the verse you put up:
(1 Corinthians 4:17) For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
(1 Corinthians 4:18) Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.
(1 Corinthians 4:19) But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.
(1 Corinthians 4:20) For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
(1 Corinthians 4:21) What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?
All to do with Paul sending Timothy to the Corinthians .. and Paul also willing to come to them to admonish/rebuke. Because of the Corinthians waywardness Paul would want to come in a spirit of meekness and love.. but may have to come with a rod of discipline.
Nothing to do with spiritual gifts here..