How does a person’s sin harm relationships?
Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation - Lesson 6, Restore with Gentleness, Question 4, p. 87
The act of communion is not merely a ritual but a profound expression of unity and fellowship among believers. Reflecting on Bible passages such as Matthew 5:23-24, 1 Corinthians 11:27-29, and Ephesians 4:32, we are reminded of the importance of reconciliation before approaching the Lord's table. When members of the same church remain unreconciled and yet partake in communion, several significant issues arise.
First, Matthew 5:23-24 emphasizes the urgency of reconciliation, teaching us that if we are offering our gift at the altar and remember that our brother or sister has something against us, we should leave our gift and first go to be reconciled. This passage underscores that unresolved conflict hinders our worship and relationship with God. When unreconciled individuals partake in communion, it can lead to disrupted worship, as the act becomes hollow and devoid of its intended unity.
Second, 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 warns against partaking in the Lord's Supper in an unworthy manner, stating that those who do so bring judgment upon themselves. Communion is a sacred time when believers acknowledge the sacrifice of Christ and their commitment to living in harmony. Unresolved disputes can taint this holy moment, leading to spiritual consequences and disunity within the church.
Lastly, Ephesians 4:32 calls us to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving, just as God forgave us in Christ. The essence of the Christian community is built on these virtues. When reconciliation is absent, the church's testimony and its ability to exemplify Christ's love are compromised. The presence of unreconciled relationships can breed resentment, bitterness, and a lack of trust, ultimately weakening the church's witness to the world.
Unreconciled relationships within the church profoundly impact the act of communion. It diminishes the worship experience, invites spiritual consequences, and undermines the church's mission of embodying Christ's love. Therefore, reconciliation is vital for maintaining the integrity and unity of the Christian community. As believers, we are called to pursue peace and forgiveness, ensuring that our participation in communion reflects the true essence of fellowship and God's love.
This blog series is adapted from Conflict Resolution vs Reconciliation. You can experience this teaching in several ways:
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