"Therefore, my brothers and sisters, when you come together to eat [the Lord's Supper], welcome one another." 1 Corinthians 11:33 (CSB)

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The 2018 Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles have inspired a new book, Birds of Pray. It explores the impact of the "God Squad" on the team's success. Does that prayer before the "Hail Mary" pass increase the likelihood of a touchdown? Perhaps not, but a unified team may have an advantage over a team dominated by self-centered egos, fighting and bickering.

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Paul was writing to a badly divided Corinthian church. In addition to all the issues he addressed, Paul chastised them for their lack of unity in the Lord's Supper. He notes that they "come together not for the better but for the worse" (1 Cor. 11:17). He notes their divisions and factions. His harshest words are in verse 22: "Do you despise the church of God?" He rebukes those who celebrate "This is my body" while failing to recognize the church - the Body of Christ. 

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Historically, we have challenged believers to get right with one another before taking the Lord's Supper. Returning to this practice might restore for us the importance of what it means to "come together" as the Body of Christ.

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PRAYER: Lord, may Your Spirit examine my heart and reveal to me when I am about to "eat this bread or drink this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner." Through the Lord's Supper may we be drawn more deeply to love and unity as we come together to remember Jesus.