1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Paul reminds the Corinthians of the importance of properly observing communion and remembering Christ's sacrifice. He recounts how on the night Jesus was betrayed, He took bread and wine and gave them new meaning as representations of His body and blood, establishing communion as a way for believers to remember Him until His return. Partaking in communion is meant to be a solemn occasion of reflection on Christ's atoning death and what it means for our salvation.

Communion is one of the most meaningful practices we have as Christians. When we partake in eating the bread and drinking the cup, we are joining together in remembrance of all that Jesus did for us through His death on the cross. His body was broken and His blood was shed so that through faith in Him, we could be forgiven of our sins and reconciled to God. However, as Paul reminds the Corinthians, communion should not be taken lightly or without careful self-examination. This is no ordinary meal but a sacred time of reflection on the ultimate sacrifice made by our Savior. If we partake with an unrepentant or divisive heart, dishonoring Christ's body, we bring judgment upon ourselves. We must use communion as an opportunity to reflect deeply on our relationship with God and with one another, confessing any sins and making things right. Communion is also a time of looking forward in hope. As we remember Christ's death, we proclaim His victory over sin and death until He returns. One day, we will celebrate the ultimate communion together with Him in His kingdom. This gives us joy even amidst solemn remembrance of His suffering. May our observance of communion always stir in us gratitude for Christ's love and draw us nearer to Him and to one another.

Lord Jesus, we thank You for the precious gift of communion that allows us to remember Your sacrifice. Forgive us for any times we have failed to observe it with the proper solemnity and reflection. As we partake, stir within us a renewed sense of gratitude for bearing our sins, and draw our hearts closer to You. May our communion also strengthen our unity as Your body. We long for that day when we will celebrate the marriage supper of the Lamb in Your kingdom. Until then, come Lord Jesus. Amen.