What steps ensure we approach Communion with reverence and respect? Setting the Scriptural Foundation 1 Corinthians 11:27 lays it out plainly: “Therefore 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.” With that sobering word as our anchor, let’s walk through the steps that help us come to the Table with genuine reverence and respect. Recognize the Holiness of the Table • Jesus declared at the Last Supper, “This is My body… This cup is the new covenant in My blood” (Luke 22:19-20). • The elements point to His once-for-all sacrifice, not a casual snack. • Coming with that awareness guards our hearts from treating Communion as routine. Examine Yourself Thoroughly • “Each one must examine himself…” (1 Corinthians 11:28). • Ask the Spirit to search you (Psalm 139:23-24). • Hold your life up to the light of the Word (2 Corinthians 13:5). • Invite conviction before you handle the bread and cup. Confess and Forsake Sin • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us” (1 John 1:9). • Unconfessed sin hinders fellowship (Psalm 66:18). • Name the sin, turn from it, and receive cleansing so nothing stands between you and the Lord. Reconcile with Others • “First be reconciled to your brother” (Matthew 5:23-24). • “As far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). • Bitterness or broken relationships cloud the testimony of the meal that proclaims unity in Christ. Focus on Christ’s Sacrifice • Meditate on Isaiah 53:5—“He was pierced for our transgressions.” • Enter the Most Holy Place “by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Let gratitude for His wounds deepen your awe. Participate with Gratitude and Faith • “Overflowing with thankfulness” (Colossians 2:6-7). • Receive the elements believing His promises are true for you today. • Worship, don’t merely watch. Embrace Unity in the Body • “The bread that we break—is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body” (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). • Guard against factions; pursue humble, Spirit-given oneness (Ephesians 4:3-6). Approach with Joyful Expectation • “Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). • Communion looks back to the cross and forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9). • Reverence and joy are not opposites—they belong together at His Table. Walk these steps, and Communion moves from habit to holy encounter, from ritual to living reminder of the Savior who gave everything for us. |
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