Communion Confusion
In a 24 hour period I had 2 people talk to me in tears. The
first questioned whether they should attend worship that coming Sunday. They
had fallen into sin that week and though they had confessed it (admitted to God
and others this was sin) and repented of it (taken steps to make things right
and move in a different direction) they still felt totally unworthy. Isn’t it
hypocritical to come to worship after you sin? Doesn’t your sin make you dirty
in the eyes of God? How can I come before a holy God and be worthy to give Him
praise? I responded that if everyone who sinned in the last week didn’t come to
worship-no one would show up-myself included! If you want a quick refresher on
who Jesus sees as a worthy worshipper check out Thankfully they came to worship.
Then a person approached me about communion coming up and
felt they probably shouldn’t take it because of their lack of faith-they are
struggling to believe in Jesus through a tough time. They don’t feel worthy to
take the bread and the cup. I responded this is exactly when you should take
communion! I hope this person takes communion.
This Sunday in
communion we remember what Jesus did for us-not what we do for Him! In
communion we are reminded of His sacrifice for us that pays the price for our
sins, doubts and lack of faith. Even if our faith falters-His does not-He
believes in you! Communion is a celebration of what Jesus did for us-unworthy
as we all are-He still had His body broken and blood shed for us. If you have
trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior don’t let the devil shame you into
skipping communion-you are who it’s for!
All that said there are legit reasons to not take
communion-if you don’t have a relationship with Jesus or are uncertain you
should abstain. Jesus offered the first communion to His disciples and that is
who it is for. At the same time this is a perfect moment to open your heart to
Jesus. If before or during the service you commit your life to Him all the
better-join in! There are also reasons of conviction for the believer-if there
is a conflict with God or a sister or brother and you feel that needs to be
handled first-you should probably not take it. Jesus tells us we should not
even give our offerings before we attend to conflicts (Matt. 5:24)-and that
rolls around every Sunday! Consider what Jesus is prompting you to do before
you take communion or even worship-and do it!
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