Don’t Skip the Table

"So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup." 
1 Corinthians 11:27-28 (NIV)

You've been holding a grudge against someone for weeks. The Lord's Supper approaches and you think, "I can't take communion with this bitterness in my heart, so I'll just skip it." Paul says in 1 Corinthians 11 to examine yourself before you come—and some people take that as permission to stay away. But God’s Word gently reminds you, Don’t skip the table.

The word "examine" literally means to "prove" or "qualify." Before you take the Lord's Supper, you need to make sure you're qualified. What qualifies you? You've received Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and you're willing to repent of sin in your life.

Notice the purpose here. The Lord's Supper isn't designed for you to hold onto your sin and skip the table. It's designed to force you to get right with God so you can take the supper. 

Think of it like this: Grape juice contains quercetin, a compound that keeps your eye lenses clear and prevents cataracts. The Lord's Supper does something similar spiritually—it enhances your spiritual sight so you can see yourself clearly through Christ's body and blood.

Before this week ends, identify the sin you've been avoiding. Call it what it is. Then confess it to God and ask forgiveness. If it involves another person, send that text or make that call today. Don't let another Sunday pass holding onto something Jesus already died to forgive.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your forgiveness. Show me where I’ve been holding a grudge. Give me courage to face it, confess it, and release it. I don't want to skip Your table—I want to come clean and worthy through Your grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.