For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night 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.” – 1 Corinthians 11:23-24
Bible Verses About Taking Communion
The Importance of Remembering
When we gather to take communion, we are participating in a significant act of remembrance. Jesus instructed His followers to partake in this sacred meal in remembrance of Him. This isn’t just about a physical act; it’s a powerful reminder of the sacrifice made for us. As we break bread and share the cup, we recall His body given and His blood shed for our sins. It helps us reconnect with the essence of our faith, reinforcing the love and grace bestowed upon us. We should approach communion as a moment to reflect deeply on that immense sacrifice and our own commitment to living in His light.
Luke 22:19
“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’” – Luke 22:19
1 Corinthians 11:24
“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.’” – 1 Corinthians 11:24
John 6:51
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” – John 6:51
Exodus 12:14
This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord—a lasting ordinance.” – Exodus 12:14
Hebrews 10:3-4
“But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins. It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” – Hebrews 10:3-4
Unity in Communion
Taking communion is also about unity among believers. We come together not just as individuals but as a family in Christ. This sacred act brings us closer, helping us to remember that we are one body, united in faith and purpose. It fosters connections and encourages us to support one another on our spiritual journeys. In taking communion together, we reaffirm our commitment not just to God but to each other, promoting a spirit of love, trust, and fellowship in our communities. We should cherish these moments, allowing them to strengthen our bonds and deepen our faith.
1 Corinthians 10:16-17
“Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.” – 1 Corinthians 10:16-17
Acts 2:42
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” – Acts 2:42
Ephesians 4:4-6
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” – Ephesians 4:4-6
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
John 17:21
“That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” – John 17:21
Forgiveness and Communion
As we prepare for communion, we must reflect on our relationships with others. Jesus invites us to come with clean hearts, free from grudges and bitterness. Taking communion is not only a moment to remember His sacrifice but also a time to extend grace and forgiveness. We recognize that we, too, have been forgiven and must carry that mantle of forgiveness into our daily interactions. In doing so, we can experience healing and restoration. Let’s embrace opportunities to mend relationships, live in harmony, and partake in communion with a spirit of love and reconciliation.
Matthew 5:23-24
“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.” – Matthew 5:23-24
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Mark 11:25
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” – Mark 11:25
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
Spiritual Nourishment Through Communion
Communion is more than a symbolic act; it is spiritually nourishing for our souls. Each time we partake in communion, we receive the grace and presence of Jesus Christ in our lives. Just like food nourishes the body, communion sustains us spiritually. It feeds our faith, strengthens our relationship with our Savior, and revitalizes our spirits. In every cup and piece of bread, we find reminders of His love and sacrifice. We should approach communion with open hearts, ready to receive the blessings and filling that come from our communion with Him.
John 6:55
“For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.” – John 6:55
Matthew 26:29
“I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.” – Matthew 26:29
Isaiah 55:1
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.” – Isaiah 55:1
John 4:14
“But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” – John 4:14
Revelation 3:20
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” – Revelation 3:20
Communion as a Thanksgiving Offering
As we take communion, we should also see it as an act of thanksgiving. This sacred moment is not only about remembrance but also gratitude for all God has done for us. We express our thanks for His unwavering love, grace, and mercy through this shared meal. Each communion is an opportunity to reflect on the blessings in our lives, acknowledging that we are not deserving of His gifts but grateful for them. In these moments together, we create an atmosphere of appreciation, recognizing that every bite of bread and sip from the cup is a celebration of His goodness.
1 Corinthians 10:16
“Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ?” – 1 Corinthians 10:16
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
Psalm 100:4
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” – Psalm 100:4
Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
Psalm 136:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1
Communion and the New Covenant
Finally, taking communion is a powerful reminder of the new covenant established through Jesus. This covenant signifies a new way for us to relate to God, free from the old sacrificial system. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus opened the door for each of us to have a direct relationship with God. In communion, we celebrate this new life and the hope it brings. Every time we gather to take part, we are reminded that we are under His grace, living under a promise that leads us to eternal life. Our lives are forever changed by His love and sacrifice.
Luke 22:20
“In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.’” – Luke 22:20
Hebrews 9:15
“For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” – Hebrews 9:15
Matthew 26:28
“This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” – Matthew 26:28
1 Peter 1:18-19
“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life you inherited from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” – 1 Peter 1:18-19
Jeremiah 31:34
“No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” – Jeremiah 31:34
Final Thoughts
Taking communion is a profound act that transcends mere tradition. It serves as a vital reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice and love for us. As we gather to partake in this sacred meal, we should embrace the moments of remembrance, unity, and forgiveness that it brings. It nourishes our souls, allows us to express gratitude, and reinforces the new covenant established through Christ. Each cup and piece of bread is an invitation to deepen our relationship with God and one another.
In our daily lives, let’s keep these lessons close to our hearts. May we extend the grace we’ve received to others, nurturing unity in our communities. As we reflect on what communion means, we should approach it with open hearts, ready to receive His love. Let us continue to find joy in gathering with our church family, celebrating the awesome gift of salvation, and encouraging each other in faith.
If you want to explore more topics related to spiritual growth, feel free to check out Bible Verses About Communion or Bible Verses About Fellowship. There is so much to learn and discover as we walk together in faith!