Holy Communion: The Meaning, Significance, and Importance of It

🍞 Communion: The Meaning, Significance, and Importance of It

Communion—also called the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist—is one of the most sacred practices in the Christian faith. Jesus Himself instituted it on the night He was betrayed, giving His followers a powerful way to remember His sacrifice and proclaim His death until He returns. Yet for many, the meaning and significance of communion are either misunderstood or forgotten in routine. Understanding communion helps us receive it with reverence, gratitude, and joy.

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1. The Meaning of Communion

Communion comes from the Greek word koinonia, which means fellowship, sharing, or participation. When believers gather for communion, they are sharing in:

✅ The body and blood of Christ (symbolically).

✅ Fellowship with one another as the body of Christ.

✅ A proclamation of faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Jesus explained its meaning clearly during the Last Supper:

“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. Likewise also the cup… saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.”

—Luke 22:19-20 (KJV)

The bread represents His body, broken for our sins; the cup represents His blood, shed for the forgiveness of sins.

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2. The Significance of Communion

Communion is not just a symbolic meal—it is a spiritual act with deep meaning:

✅ Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice

Jesus commanded, “This do in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:24-25). Communion keeps the cross central in our hearts, reminding us of the cost of our salvation.

✅ Proclaiming the Gospel

Paul writes, “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come” (1 Corinthians 11:26 KJV). Every time we partake, we proclaim the power of Jesus’ death and resurrection.

✅ Participating in Unity

Paul emphasizes, “For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread” (1 Corinthians 10:17 KJV). Communion unites believers across races, nations, and backgrounds.

✅ Examining Ourselves

Communion calls for self-examination. Paul warns believers not to partake unworthily but to discern the Lord’s body and confess sin (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). It’s a time to repent and renew our commitment to Christ.

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3. The Importance of Communion

Communion is not optional for Christians—it is a command and privilege. Here’s why it’s vital:

✅ It Deepens Our Relationship with Jesus

As we reflect on His sacrifice, our love for Him grows, and we are drawn closer to Him.

✅ It Renews Our Gratitude

Communion reminds us we are forgiven by grace alone, not our works. It fills our hearts with thanksgiving.

✅ It Strengthens Our Faith

By regularly proclaiming His death and resurrection, we keep our hope in Christ alive and our faith strong.

✅ It Cultivates Holiness

Self-examination during communion helps us stay humble, repent of sin, and walk in purity.

✅ It Fosters Unity in the Church

As we partake together, we are reminded we belong to one family in Christ, called to love and serve one another.

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4. Scriptural Examples and Teachings on Communion

Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 is foundational. He recounts Jesus’ words at the Last Supper and emphasizes the sacredness of the practice. Jesus’ own example during the Passover meal (Luke 22:14-20) shows that communion is rooted in God’s salvation story—from the deliverance of Israel to the ultimate deliverance through Jesus.

Communion also fulfills Jesus’ promise to be with His people:

“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

—Matthew 18:20 (KJV)

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5. Applying Communion to Our Lives

To receive communion meaningfully:

✅ Prepare Your Heart

Before communion, spend time confessing sin, forgiving others, and remembering Jesus’ sacrifice.

✅ Reflect on Christ’s Love

Focus on what Jesus endured—His body broken and blood shed—to rescue you.

✅ Commit to Walk Worthy

Let communion motivate you to live a life pleasing to Him, loving God and others.

✅ Celebrate with Joy

Communion is not only a solemn reminder of Christ’s death but also a celebration of His victory over sin and death.

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6. Sharing the Significance of Communion with Others

Many who don’t know Jesus see communion as a ritual without understanding its meaning. Sharing communion’s significance can open doors for the gospel:

✅ Explain Why Jesus Died

Communion points directly to the cross—take the opportunity to share the message of salvation.

✅ Invite Others to Church

Welcome unbelieving friends or family to attend a service where communion is served, so they can witness the unity and love of God’s people.

✅ Share Your Testimony

Tell how remembering Jesus through communion has deepened your faith and given you peace.

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7. A Prayer Before Communion

Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your body broken and blood shed for me. Help me remember Your sacrifice with gratitude and live each day for Your glory. Cleanse my heart of sin, unite me with my brothers and sisters in love, and fill me with Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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8. Conclusion: Treasure the Gift of Communion

Communion is a precious gift Jesus gave His church. It is a sacred time of remembering, proclaiming, and celebrating His finished work on the cross. It draws us into deeper fellowship with Him and with each other. May we never take it lightly but cherish it as a holy reminder of our Savior’s great love.

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