Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your sibling; then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5: 23, 24)

In the congregation of Corinth there were some tense times at the fellowship meals. The church was made up of people who were very diverse in nature. Some were rich and some were poor. Part of the church celebration in this community was a combination potluck and communion service. When the rich folks came to the service, they ate heartily of what they and their friends had brought. When the workers showed up later, with less food, they felt left out and rightly so. Paul wrote his letter to them in part to point out that what was intended and “communing,” or coming together, was not really what was happening. Paul pointed out that if they were unable to show Christian fellowship in a “communion” service, they should forget the potluck and eat at home.

Communion means together whether it is in the solemn, reflective observance of the Lord’s supper or in the bubbly atmosphere of a church gathering. It is still communion.

We need to remember that Christ knew no class structures. We need to be able to leave our degrees, our company positions, our IQ’s and overall agendas at the door and meet everyone in “communion” on a level plane, a plane of mutual respect and dignity as equals in the eyes of the heavenly Parent.

Father-Mother-Parent God, look down with mercy upon Your children and the sibling rivalry that the world engages in. Help us to love and respect one another as equals in Your unerring sight!