January 22, 2023: Celebration and Separation At The Lord’s Table

“When we bless the cup at the Lord’s Table, aren’t we sharing in the blood of Christ? And when we break the bread, aren’t we sharing in the body of Christ? And though we are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body.” (1 Corinthians 10:16–17, NLT)

One of the ways we can receive communion in an unworthy manner is to receive it while holding offense or unforgiveness towards someone else, especially if they are a brother or sister in Christ. Communion, by design, is about forgiveness and being united in Christ. Therefore how can we be joined to Him and separated from a brother or sister simultaneously? The truth is we can’t. To be ‘one body’ as Paul speaks of in 1 Cor 10:17 demands that all things that cause division between us be dealt with.

Jesus had this to say: “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.” (Matthew 5:23–24, NLT) Communion is all about reconciliation. How can we celebrate reconciliation with God yet not be reconciled to our brother or sister? The truth is we can’t. Go first and reconcile, then come and offer your praise to Him.

As you receive communion, pause for a moment and let the Holy Spirit review your life with you. If he points out an offense or door of unforgiveness, go make it right with your brother or sister and then bring you praise to God in the body and blood of Christ. Your joy will be fuller!