HOW TO TAKE THE COMMUNION
(Treat The Communion Reverently)
TO THE BIBLE: 1 Corinthians 11:27
“Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.”
LET’S TALK
Back in the early Church, the Christian brothers and sisters had what they called “love feasts” or “feasts of charity.” Whenever they came together for their love feast, they also took the Communion. During such feasts, everyone was supposed to come with food to share with other Christians. The Apostle Jude talked about such feasts (Jude 1:12) and so did Apostle Peter (2 Peter 2:13). However, some didn’t have any food to bring, while some that brought their own food ate it in a hurry before the arrival of others to the feast.
They didn’t consider that they were to wait and share what they brought to the feast with their brethren that didn’t have anything to eat. Hence, the Apostle Paul rebuked them saying, “What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you” (1 Corinthians 11:22). He made them realise that such an attitude at the Communion table was irreverent and shouldn’t be encouraged. It was in addressing their improper conduct that he further declared by the Spirit, “…whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 11:27).
Notice the Bible didn’t say “Whoever shall eat this bread or drink this cup, being unworthy….” Being unworthy means the individual is not qualified to eat the bread or drink the cup. But when he says “unworthy manner,” he’s referring to the attitude—the way and manner in which you take the Communion. It’s something that must be done reverently.
Today, there’re those who are in such a hurry to go home even while the Communion is still being served, not taking the time to reflect and meditate on the power and significance of the body and blood of Christ. That’s quite irreverent. Don’t take the Communion with such a halfhearted and irreverent attitude, or make light of it. Recognise its eternal significance and participate in it reverently, always.
Go Deeper
1 Corinthians 11:27-30
Pray
Dear Father, I thank you for the body of Jesus that was broken for me, and His blood that was shed for the remission of my sins. Now I’ve been ushered into a brand-new life of righteousness, and the dominion of the Spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Romans 5:12-21, Psalms 52-55
TWO YEAR
Ephesians 4:25-32, Isaiah 51
Act
Prepare yourself and others with this message for the next time you take the Communion.
My Notes
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