Communion

Communion of saints brings down the presence of Christ. Matthew 18:20 says: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am.” God cherishes his children to gather for His sake. There are so many blessings attached to the gathering of the saints.

These include: provision of encouragement and motivation for one another, building each other’s spiritual life, learning and understanding the word of God, gaining the ability to live according to God’s will, offering prayers for those going through tough times, and many more. Saints commune in holy conversation. “Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it … that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name,” (Malachi 3:16). We should avoid hurtful words each time we speak; rather our words should edify the body of Christ. It should be words that could help others to be physically and spiritually strong in Christ.

When was the last time you comforted someone? Do you strengthen people with your words, or are your words fruitless, unproductive and unrewarding? Ephesians 4:29 says: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

Saints commune in prayer for each other. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints,” (Ephesians 6:18). The devil is highly determined to destroy man. He has come to steal, to kill and to destroy. The devil tempted our Lord Jesus Christ, so, he is not afraid to tempt and destroy humans.

Christians need prayers for each other to avoid falling into temptation and sin, which can lead to destruction and death. It should be a thing of delight to worship God with other believers in God’s sanctuary. “When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holy day,” (Psalms 42:4). It is not wrong to worship God when you are alone, but there is time for everything. It is God’s will that we should come together as believers, to honour Him. His will must be respected, because He knows what we don’t know. Nothing must debar us from communing with other saints in the place of worship. As we commune, it is also pleasant that we dwell together in unity. Let us rebuke and resist the devil who sows the seed of discord, and our victory will be easy and sure.

Communion of the Lord’s supper is the communion of the body and blood of Jesus Christ. “The cup of blessing, which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread, which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:16). The Lord’s supper is important and sacred. We observe it to remember Jesus Christ our saviour, His death and resurrection, until He comes again to take us home. On the night Jesus Christ was betrayed, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave to disciples, saying: “Take and eat: This is my body.

Do this in remembrance of me.” He also did the same with the cup. He referred to the cup as his blood and a new covenant with Christians. He charged us to drink the cup to remember him. Each time we eat this bread and drink from this cup, we reactivate and reestablish in our words and actions the crucifixion and resurrection of our savior. The Lord’s supper should not be taken for granted; it must be taken again and again until Jesus returns. Before taking part in the communion, self-examination is commanded.

For worthy participation, newness of heart and life is essential. Sinners cannot partake in it. A man with more than one wife cannot partake of it. You have to forsake sin, and restitute your ways before the living God, before you can be involved.  “Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils,” (1Corinthians 10:21). The Lord’s supper is not meant for sorcerers and those who worship God with mammon. It’s meant for only the saints.