Unity in Communion: More Than Just a Ritual

At Lakeview Christian Church, communion is a sacred time—a weekly practice that reminds us of Christ’s sacrifice. But there’s more to communion than just the bread and the cup. There’s a powerful “horizontal” dimension: unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

The Forgotten Horizontal: Unity in the Body of Christ

Too often, we remember communion’s “vertical” meaning—our connection and reconciliation with God—while overlooking the equally important “horizontal” call. Unity is the heartbeat of the church. It’s the coming together of people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and opinions to form one body in Christ. The Apostle Paul confronted the Corinthians about this very issue, warning them that division and unresolved conflict made their gatherings meaningless.

As Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 11, “Do this every time you meet, but don’t do this if you’re in wrong standing.” If you have a quarrel or are stepping on other believers, you are not only out of unity with them—you’re also not truly communing with God. The purpose of communion is to celebrate God and our unity with Him and one another. Without that unity, our remembrance of Jesus’ sacrifice is incomplete.

Why Unity Matters

Unity is not just a nice idea; it’s a command. Jesus prayed for His followers to be one (John 17:21). Our witness to the world depends on how we love and forgive each other. When we gather for communion, God calls us to examine both our hearts and our relationships.

Paul’s words are sobering: “This is why you are sick, this is why you are dying, because you’re not understanding what you’re doing with communion.” While we may not see such direct consequences today, the principle stands—God takes the remembrance of Him, and the unity of His people, seriously.

Making Every Gathering Meaningful

At Lakeview Christian Church our mission is to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.” Communion is a weekly opportunity to put this into action. Before we take the bread and cup, we are invited to check our relationships:

• Are we harboring resentment or unforgiveness?
• Have we gossiped or caused division?
• Is there someone we need to reconcile with before coming to the table?

By seeking unity, we honor Christ’s sacrifice and make every gathering truly meaningful.

Living Out Unity Every Day

Unity doesn’t end after Sunday service. It’s a lifestyle that reflects Jesus to the world. When we forgive, seek understanding, and love across differences, we embody the gospel. Let’s not settle for empty rituals—let’s pursue real connection and unity, both vertically with God and horizontally with one another.