When should you not take communion?

Response

In 1 Corinthians 11:17–34, a passage dedicated to discussing communion or the Lord’s Supper, the apostle Paul gives some important instructions: “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself. That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have died. But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world” (1 Corinthians 11:27-32;ESV).

This passage gives a strong warning against drinking the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner «Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. », (1 Corinthians 11:27). Doing so brings judgment 11:29, which can include weakness, illness, and even death 11:30. The preventative measure Paul recommends is to examine yourself 11:28 and to judge yourself 11:31. In light of these verses, some, after examining themselves, choose not to take communion. Instead, they decide to wait until they have had the opportunity to fully repent and confess their sins to the Lord «If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. », (1 John 1:9) and/or make restitution with a person they have sinned against.

Some see Matthew 5:23–24 as outlining a principle that couldApply to taking communion: “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” We take communion in remembrance of Christ «And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. », (Luke 22:19). What are we remembering? His death and shed blood, which paid the penalty for our sins. Part of remembering Christ’s sacrifice is ensuring our sins are biblically dealt with as we recall what He did for us.

When should you not take communion? There is no biblical command “Do not take communion in these situations.” So, it is a matter of conscience and conviction from the Lord. Ask God for wisdom «If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. », (James 1:5). Examine yourself «But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. », (1 Corinthians 11:28). Ask the Lord to reveal to you if there is any wicked way in you «And see if there be any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.», (Psalm 139:24). Confess your sins to God «If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. », (1 John 1:9). If you feel convicted that something is not right with your relationship with God and/or others, it is advisable

It is wise, perhaps even recommended, not to receive communion until matters are resolved.

It is also crucial not to consider perfection a prerequisite for receiving communion. If perfection were the criterion, no one would ever partake in communion. Being prepared for communion does not require sinlessness or having completely dealt with the consequences of every sin committed. Instead, aim to, as much as possible, be fully reconciled with the individuals in your life “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”, (Romans 12:18).