One of the things this supper demonstrates and increases is our unity in Christ. Chloe’s people told Paul of all the divisions in Corinth. Some said they were of the persuasion of Paul, some of Apollos, some Cephas and some took the divisive high ground and said they were of Christ. All of these were really of Satan, who name means “accuser” and who divides brothers and sisters.

To our hurt, our divisions can be more subtle. We don’t fight openly at the table like the Corinthians did, but Christians will routinely suspend themselves from the Supper, typically for one of two reasons. They do so because they had a bad week, or a bad day, or a bad morning, and therefore feel they aren’t worthy of this meal. Of course we aren’t worthy, that is the reason for the meal. This is grace and not a reward. Don’t divide the body of Christ on account of your works. The second reason is because of some doctrinal scruple. They take communion at their church but not another because not everyone believes exactly as they do. We don’t sacrifice unity for truth, but unless this rite has become idolatrous or scandalous, Jesus calls us to take it together as one body united to him—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and in terms of this Supper, one loaf and one cup. All who love God and his Christ are welcome at his table.