When we approach the Lord’s table, we must also be mindful of the state of our thoughts—about others, about ourselves, and about God. Indeed, we cannot partake of God’s sacred meal while harboring negative thoughts. This is why we must pray and, by faith, ask God to erase and forgive all our wrongful thoughts.

Jesus was obedient, and we too must be in a state of obedience when we approach God.

Someone might say, “But I will never manage to do this; it seems too hard for me.” However, Jesus came into the world so that we could be justified through faith in Him. So, when you sincerely ask God to forgive your wrongful thoughts, He does so immediately, enabling you to participate in Holy Communion without fear.

It is important to note that for sins such as sexual relations outside of marriage, forgiveness can only be genuinely obtained after making a firm decision to stop committing this sin. A person cannot persist in sexual sin while repeatedly asking God for forgiveness and then continuing the same behavior.

One must make a decisive commitment to abandon sexual sin in order to partake in Holy Communion without risk. The Bible warns us that failing to respect this dimension of Holy Communion can lead to death (1 Corinthians 11:30).

“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. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.“ — 1 Corinthians 11:27–30

It is crucial to discern the body and blood of Christ. Concerning the body, you recognize that Jesus was sanctified—His body and blood—when He participated in the Passover meal. Similarly, you discern that you too must follow His example and be sanctified to partake in this sacred meal.

This text is an extract from the book “THE SEVEN DIMENSIONS OF THE HOLY SUPPER” written by Maryse-Abygaïl DANIEL.

We invite you to read the following article: “From the Holocaust to the Cross.“

WATCHING OVER OUR THOUGHTS. WATCHING OVER OUR THOUGHTS.