Taking communion unworthily refers to participating in the Lord’s Supper in a careless, irreverent, or hypocritical manner. Scripture commands self-examination before partaking, because the Lord’s Table is a sacred remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice.
1 Corinthians 11:27–29 gives this warning:
“Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.”
Paul was addressing believers who were treating communion as a common meal, neglecting love for one another, and failing to recognize the seriousness of the ordinance. Some were experiencing judgment, even sickness and death, as a result (1 Corinthians 11:30).
To take communion worthily does not mean being perfect or sinless, but approaching the table with reverence, repentance, and faith. Believers must examine their hearts, confess sin, and discern the spiritual significance of Christ’s body and blood.
Communion is not a ritual to be taken lightly. It is a proclamation of the gospel:
“For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.”
(1 Corinthians 11:26)
To take it unworthily is to dishonor what it represents. But when taken rightly, it strengthens faith, fosters unity, and glorifies Christ.
