What practical steps ensure we partake in communion "in a worthy manner"? Grasping the Call to Self-Examination “Let a man examine himself, and in so doing let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:28) Step 1: Pause and Prepare Your Heart • Set aside distracting thoughts; give undivided attention to the Lord. • Pray with the psalmist: “Search me, O God, and know my heart… Lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24) • Silence phones, close planners, hush conversations—practical acts that signal reverence. Step 2: Examine Your Relationship with God • Ask: Am I trusting Christ alone for salvation? (2 Corinthians 13:5) • Confess known sin immediately: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” (1 John 1:9) • Reject the notion of “harmless” secret sin; hidden iniquity invites discipline (1 Corinthians 11:30-32). Step 3: Make Things Right with Others • Recall Jesus’ instruction: reconcile before offering worship (Matthew 5:23-24). • Forgive grievances, release bitterness (Ephesians 4:31-32). • Where possible, seek face-to-face restoration; if not, choose forgiveness in prayer and plan to pursue peace. Step 4: Discern the Body of Christ • Recognize the sacred symbols—literal bread and cup representing Christ’s literal body and blood given for our redemption (1 Corinthians 11:24-25). • Acknowledge fellow believers as members of that body (1 Corinthians 10:16-17); treat them with honor and unity. • Reject casual, ritualistic participation; honor the reality behind the symbols. Step 5: Remember and Proclaim the Lord’s Death • Meditate on the price paid: “You were redeemed… with the precious blood of Christ.” (1 Peter 1:18-19) • Give thanks aloud or silently for specific benefits—justification, adoption, future resurrection (Romans 5:1; 8:15; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22). • Understand that every communion service is a sermon: “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (1 Corinthians 11:26) Step 6: Approach with Faith and Thanksgiving • Come boldly, not fearfully, because Christ opened “a new and living way” by His blood (Hebrews 10:19-22). • Express gratitude: sing, whisper thanks, or quietly reflect on Colossians 1:12-14. • Trust that His promises are true for you personally. Step 7: Continue Walking Worthy After the Supper • Let the table’s reminder shape daily conduct: “Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.” (Colossians 1:10) • Keep short accounts with God—regular confession and obedience. • Serve the body of Christ in love, mirroring the self-giving you just celebrated (John 13:14-15). When these steps mark our approach, we heed Paul’s command, honor Christ’s sacrifice, and strengthen the unity of His church. |
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