Communion: What's It All About Anyway?

COMMUNION..WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT ANYWAY?

What does the Bible say about communion? First we know it represents the body and blood of Jesus and is called 'The Lords' Supper' even though not administered at the traditional suppertime hour. Now no need to get legalistic over the technicality of a word and say "oh we better meet at suppertime then or God won't be pleased."

Different denominations have different man made rules and interpretations concerning this Holy sacrament but the one thing in the Bible I always read before I partake of communion is found in 1 Corinthians chapter 11. First in verses 23 thru 26 it says "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”  For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."
 
But continue on to the next few verses and perhaps many of us shouldn't always partake just because it is the thing to do. 1 Corinthians 11:27-30 says "So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.  For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.  That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep." Many children are given communion by their well meaning parents but are their child like minds able to understand the meaning? Not judging but suggesting something to ponder.

Basically if you are flippantly just going to the altar or taking the element as they are passed down the aisle but have unforgiveness in your heart towards  someone that is wrong according to this scripture. Examine your heart. Maybe you should not take it that particular day but instead silently pray for God to purify your heart and to heal any broken relationships you may have.

Churches have split over issues like communion, baptism, membership and even color of the carpet. Jesus is probably just shaking his head as Satan gets credit for splitting the body of Christ. Too much legalism can seep in and take the joy of the Lord right out of the church. 

Before you reach for the communion cup next time it is offered be sure to get things in your life right with God before you partake. This sacrament is special and set apart and should not be taken lightly. 

PRAYER:  Search me God and cleanse me from any wrong ways or thinking in my life. Make my life acceptable in your sight. In Jesus name. Amen.