Every time I receive communion I examine myself beforehand like the scripture says: “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:28). Therefore I confess my sins and receive with a clean heart.

I also “remember” as Jesus said: “do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19) That prompts gratitude for His great sacrifice. Then I think about doing a withdrawal from His “blood bank” for all the things He purchased for me mentioned in Isaiah 53. He bore our griefs and carried our sorrows and was pierced for our transgressions and “by His scourging we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

Really, in receiving communion I’ve pretty much thought I covered every base. But I discovered something about communion I never noticed before. The bread and wine used as the emblems of communion transmits the blessing of God. Paul calls communion the cup of blessing. “Is not the cup of blessing which we bless a sharing in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread which we break a sharing in the body of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:16)

As I read that I had a little “Ah-ha” moment. Fresh revelation. So I actually receive a blessing simply by partaking each time. I’m all for receiving every blessing possible — every blessing available to me. You too, right?

Next time we receive communion let’s do more. Let’s tip back the cup of blessing and redeem every single one.