Read: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

When you come together
as a church, I hear
that there are divisions
among you. -1 Cor. 11:18

In Makhachkala, a city in southern Russia, 14 new
believers and some missionaries gathered in a small
apartment to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. The room was
charged with spiritual energy and joy as the people
shared in testimonies, songs, and prayers.

Then, being aware of the symbolic meaning of the bread
and the cup, they looked at each other and whispered,
“With this we are cleansed. With this we are one!”
Being reminded again of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the
cross for them and the forgiveness they had received,
they felt a new sense of their oneness in Christ.

The apostle Paul said that the Corinthian believers
were not experiencing this unifying power. Their
celebrations of the Lord’s Supper were characterized by
divisions. People who had brought food were letting
those with no food go hungry. Some were even getting
drunk! (1 Cor. 11:21). So Paul warned the people and
urged them to examine themselves (v.28).

Nothing unites believers more than the forgiveness
Jesus provided when He died for our sins. No wonder He
instituted a special Supper before He went to the cross.

He knew we would need to be reminded often of what He
did to make us clean – to make us one.
-Dennis J. De Haan

I pray, O Lord, reveal to me
If I have caused disunity,
For You would have Your children one
In praise and love for Your dear Son. -JDB

CHRISTIAN UNITY BEGINS AT THE CROSS.

OUR DAILY BREAD, Copyright 1998 by Radio Bible Class,
Grand Rapids,Michigan. Used by permission.