Attending to the Needs of Others

“Let a man examine himself, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For any one who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself.” (1 Corinthians 11:28-29)

There are some people who interpret Paul’s words to mean that members of the Church need to examine their lives for hidden sins before receiving the symbolic Bread and Wine. However, this is a misinterpretation. The sin that Paul speaks of is the sin of ignoring the needs of one’s fellow Christians as the sacred bread is broken with them.

It would be hypocritical of Christians to take in the body and blood of Christ –to make themselves one with Jesus, when they can clearly see, at arm’s length, one who is suffering and in need. It is the duty of a Christian to ensure that the needs of others –may they be physical, emotional, or spiritual, are attended to. You need to ask yourself if you have been kind and giving towards those whom you break bread with. This is what Paul is pertaining to with regards to “examining” and “discerning”.

Before partaking in the Bread and Wine, examine yourself in the Lord’s Table. Ask yourself how you can better minister to the needs of the members of your church. Once you arrive at your answers, take action.