Communion & Healing

DCC Devotionals: Communion & Healing
by Don Vess

Scripture Focus

“And when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, ‘Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.’ In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.’”
– 1 Corinthians 11:24–25 (NKJV)

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Reflection

Communion is far more than a ritual. It is a sacred remembrance of all that Jesus accomplished on the cross. When we come to the Lord’s Table, we are not merely recalling His suffering — we are participating by faith in the redemptive work that brings forgiveness, cleansing, and healing.

The Apostle Paul warned the Corinthian church not to take communion lightly. They had turned what was meant to be a moment of reverence into a social event. Paul reminded them — and us — that the bread and cup represent the body and blood of Jesus Christ, given for our redemption.

When we approach the Table, we should pause to examine our hearts. Not to exclude ourselves, but to prepare ourselves. The Lord’s Supper is not for the perfect; it’s for the repentant — those willing to humble themselves before God and receive His mercy.

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The Healing Covenant

Isaiah foretold it:

“He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.”
– Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)

Peter confirmed it:

“By Whose stripes you were healed.”
– 1 Peter 2:24 (NKJV)

The same blood that forgives sin also heals sickness. The same body that was broken for us now restores what is broken in us.
Communion reminds us that healing — spiritual, emotional, and physical — flows from the finished work of Christ.

When we eat the bread and drink the cup, we are declaring by faith:

“Jesus, You are my Redeemer, my Healer, and my Lord.”

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The Call to Forgiveness

Before we partake, Jesus calls us to forgive.
Unforgiveness clogs the flow of grace. It’s hard for healing to take root in a heart that harbors bitterness.

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
– Matthew 6:14 (KJV)

When we forgive, our hearts are cleansed, and the healing power of God begins to flow freely again. Forgiveness opens the door for wholeness.

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A Prayer of Preparation

“Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.”
– Psalm 139:23–24 (NKJV)

Before you take communion, take a moment to quiet your spirit.
Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart.
Confess any sin, release every offense, and renew your faith in the One who made you whole.

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Personal Application
•Reflect on what Jesus has done for you.
•Repent of any sin that separates you from His presence.
•Release any bitterness or unforgiveness.
•Receive His healing, peace, and joy as you partake.

Remember, communion is not a funeral — it’s a celebration of victory.
Christ has conquered sin, sickness, and death, and we now live in the freedom of His covenant of grace.

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Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, who gave His body and shed His blood for my salvation.
As I come to Your table, I remember Your sacrifice and receive by faith the healing You purchased for me.
Cleanse my heart, renew my spirit, and help me forgive as I have been forgiven.
Thank You, Lord, for Your redeeming love.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Today’s Thought

Communion is not just a remembrance — it’s a renewal.
Every time you come to the table, you step into the reality of His redemption, His cleansing, and His healing power.

“If we judge ourselves, we will not be judged.”
– 1 Corinthians 11:31 (NKJV)