Sunday’s communion thought was:
Matthew 5:23-24 “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
How might this passage relate to communion?
Everyone’s first thought (and I’ll admit, mine used to be as well) is, “If someone has offended you, you need to go confront them and try to reconcile. After that, it is on them whether they choose to try to make things right with you. You have done what you could and are good to offer your worship now.” And that is true. However, look at the wording here.
“…remember that your brother or sister has something against you…”
It says if your brother has something against you. If you have offended your brother. Go apologize and make amends. If you are in the wrong, or even if you were right but know you have hurt your brother or sister, go to them and do what you can to make it better.
Either way, the point is reconciliation.
We are all one in the body of Christ. We are to be unified in Him. If one of us is hurting, if one of us is angry or sad, we should do what we can to help that brother or sister. ESPECIALLY if we are the one who hurt them. 1 Corinthians 12:26 says if one part suffers, the whole body suffers with it. Just because you had a disagreement with another member doesn’t mean you aren’t still part of the same body. We are unified in Christ, all working together to do His good works.
Communion brings us to the table together. Our offering of worship and remembrance. How can we in good conscience partake of the memorial of the One who brings us together if there is division among us? Reconciliation lifts the burden from your heart and allows you to worship freely with your restored brother or sister, rejoicing anew in the unity we have in Him.
