Church
What is communion and who can take it?
Short answer
Communion is the meal Jesus gave His church. It's for people who trust Him, and it's a gift, not a test.
The night before He died, Jesus took bread and wine, said this is my body and this is my blood, and told His followers to do this in remembrance of Him. It's also called the Lord's Supper or Eucharist.
In communion you look back to the cross, around at your church family, and forward to Jesus' return. Churches differ on how Christ is present in the bread and wine, but all agree that Jesus meets His people there.
Paul says to examine yourself first. You don't have to be perfect. Come honestly, confess known sin, and don't come holding a grudge. Communion is for sinners who need grace.
If you're not yet a Christian, it's fine to let it pass, watch and pray. If unsure, ask your church.
My verses
And He took the 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.” In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.
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.” In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.
So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.