Communion is a sacrament observed by every Christian church, although its celebration varies among denominations. It serves as an occasion for fellowship, reflection and remembrance.
One reason we take communion is to remember Christ’s sacrifice for us. It serves as a reminder of His great love and promise that He will provide for our needs if we place our trust in Him.
1. It’s a reminder of Christ’s sacrifice
No matter the name, ornate communion or Eucharist is an ancient practice in Christianity that dates back over 2000 years. It’s a moment for believers to come together and remember what Christ accomplished for them on the cross.
Communion, with its bread and wine, serves to remind us of Jesus’ sacrificial model that He established at the Last Supper. Jesus intentionally referenced this model from the Old Testament in order to remind His followers of salvation provided through His death on the cross.
When considering Jesus’ death, we often focus on its physical aspects. This is understandable since the Bible vividly recounts these events in great detail.
But it’s essential to also take into account the emotional and spiritual costs of Jesus’ sacrifice. When He suffered on the cross, He felt just as emotional and broken as we do. And when He prayed, He was just as heartbroken and depressed as we are.
Never should we forget the sacrifice and importance of our faith, which are fundamental elements in Christian living. That’s why it’s essential for us to take communion regularly – so that we may remain reminded of how much Jesus loves and needs us.
2. It’s a time of fellowship
Communion is a moment of devotion to God and reminds believers of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. It also serves as a reminder of the New Covenant, which promises us redeemed fellowship with Christ and His church.
In many churches around the world, communion is an integral part of worship services. At these gatherings, believers come together to break bread and drink from a shared cup as symbolic representations of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross – representing His body and blood.
In the Bible, there is a strong emphasis on fellowship and unity. This theme can be seen in passages such as Ephesians 4:12; Philippians 3:10, and 1 Corinthians 12:23.
Fellowship can be more deeply meaningful when understood within its biblical context. The word “communion” itself derives from the Greek koinonia, meaning “closeness” or “unity.”
Take communion not as a ritual but as an acknowledgement of Christ’s atoning work on the cross. Let us take this time to reflect upon His sacrifice, thank Him for it, and look forward to His return.
3. It’s a time of reflection
Reflection is the practice of thoughtful consideration and analysis. It plays an integral role in self-development and personal growth.
Many people take time to write in a journal, speak with a friend, or reflect on something they’ve done. These activities can be beneficial for processing thoughts and emotions, making sense of the day, and coming to decisions.
One of the most beneficial forms of reflection is “meaning making.” This occurs when a leader takes time to consider their beliefs and actions, then considers multiple possible interpretations for learning purposes.
Researchers from City University of New York’s Advanced Science Research Center recently published experimental evidence of “time reflection.” This is a phenomenon in which a wavepacket experiences an abrupt change in its properties, causing it to travel in a different direction than originally. As such, in reflected images or echos, the leading edge of the wave appears at the front rather than its original position.
4. It’s a time of prayer
Jesus instituted communion as a way of remembering his sacrifice on the cross. Receiving communion should be treated as an act of worship and should be approached with reverence and awe.
Additionally, personal reflection and sharing of experiences should be part of worship services. It’s essential that you and your family prepare beforehand so that it can be an impactful time of worship.
Communion is an amazing opportunity for you to express your thanks to God for His work in your life and ask for healing for those who are hurting in it. It also serves as a time to thank Him for providing nourishment and strength during difficult times.
You are free to choose any bread and juice you would like, but it is essential that you adhere to biblical elements. The Bible instructs us that these symbols represent Christ’s body and blood respectively.
Before taking communion, it is essential to repent. Doing so may seem challenging at first glance, but repentance brings God’s judgement upon yourself – an essential step for spiritual growth and development. If you need assistance getting back on track with your spiritual practice, consult a pastor or priest; they have been trained to explain its significance and help keep you accountable.
5. It’s a time of accountability
Communion is an integral and meaningful part of Christian life. It serves to remind us of Jesus’ sacrifice for us and give us an opportunity to reflect on our own lives.
Faith also allows believers to examine their own hearts and determine if there are unconfessed sins that need to be addressed. This can be an invaluable tool for spiritual growth, when the individual is willing to hear God’s voice and make necessary changes in their lives.
The Bible emphasizes the necessity for sanctification, or becoming more like Christ. To please God (Matthew 18:22), confess our sins and be baptized with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38), we must make sacrifices.
The Bible emphasizes accountability as an essential aspect of community. The New Testament places great value on gospel-centered conversation (Hebrews 10:24-25; Galatians 6:1-2), bearing each other’s burdens, and instructing one another (Romans 15:14).
6. It’s a time of healing
For many believers, communion is a moment of reflection and celebration. It helps them remember Christ’s sacrifice while looking forward to his return.
At the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the ordinance of communion with His disciples. This teaching is later reiterated and expanded upon in 1 Corinthians 10:16-34.
Though some denominations hold different perspectives about communion elements, both Roman Catholic and Lutheran beliefs hold that bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus when consumed. No matter your affiliation, remembering Jesus’ sacrifice can be an uplifting means to find healing and reflection.
Communion is another tool used to unite Christians as a community of faith. This practice often includes fellowship, prayer and reflection on Scripture.
Thus, music is an essential element of worship services. Indeed, many find it to be the most meaningful component of a service.
Many who receive communion report that it has healed them of physical illnesses and emotional problems. One man, for instance, who struggled with anxiety and Xanax addiction, reports that after partaking regularly for over a year, he was finally free from his symptoms.
7. It’s a time of remembering
Communion is a moment to reflect upon Christ’s sacrifice for us. It serves as a reminder of His amazing kindness when we were ungodly, as well as an opportunity to look forward to the day when our relationship with Him will be fully restored.
It is essential that we remember what Christ has done for us in order to grow in faith and become more like Him. That’s why taking communion every chance we get should be our top priority.
By partaking of communion, you are reliving Jesus’ life and death in an intimate way. It’s an act of obedience to God that will help you remember and appreciate His sacrifice for you as well as how much He loves you.
On this special day, let us reflect on how to love God more deeply and better serve Him in our lives. Take note of your relationship with Him, your actions that demonstrate His affection, and how best you can make His glory known in the world around you.
Communion should never be taken lightly or casually, whether in the church or at home. Make it a time of sacred remembrance and reflection for everyone involved.
