Next Sunday is the first Sunday of the month and it is Communion Sunday in my Faith. As a child growing up in my grandfather’s church, as kids we weren’t permitted to partake of the service. We learned in our Sunday school lessons and from our parents that Communion was a sacred service only to be undertaken by those who had given their life to Christ. It was not a snack or something to be taken lightly but a solemn remembrance service of Jesus Christ’s blood sacrifice for our sins on The Cross. The breaking of bread — representing the breaking of Christ’s body, and the drinking of wine/grape juice — representing His blood, was for the redeemed of The Lord. Jesus’ purpose and ministry/mission was reconciliation of us back to God by sacrificing Himself as the final blood sacrifice for our sins. So, to eat and drink unworthily is damnation to our souls.
In my lifetime there were many times when I did not partake of Communion. Times when I was unwilling to reconcile with those who had wronged or severely hurt me. Times when childish pride felt the offenders should make the first move. Times when I went to the offenders and “reconciled” but not wholeheartedly, especially when I saw on their faces smirks that they felt they had gotten over on me. Many times my tongue bled as I bit it to control the tongue wagging I wanted to deliver laced with Scripture. But God!
As I matured in faith, God opened my eyes to my prideful arrogance in thinking forgiveness was mine to wield. I came to the full understanding that not only must I seek forgiveness from God for being at strife with someone, but I must seek it from them too as I pursue reconciliation with them. A critical step that is required before participating in Communion again. You see, He convicted me with the reality check that He had forgiven me and my sins and withheld no good thing from me. No hesitation. No deliberation. No metered forgiveness. 100% forgiven AND, He had tossed all remembrance of my sins into the Sea of Forgetfulness. The only one who recalls them now is me when I cry as I reflect on His goodness, Grace, Love and Mercy towards me.
If you will be participating in Communion, whether the first, second, third or last Sunday of the month, I hope that you partake of it worthily, having reconciled with those that you have issue with more so for your sake, than theirs. Amen 🙏🏽
MrsRitaOluwole 