Theology Thursday: Worthy of Communion?

I think it's a common belief that one must "prepare one's heart" for communion. This belief most likely comes from Paul's teaching on the Lord's Supper in 1 Cor 11:17-34; more specifically, v. 27:

Theology Thursday: Worthy of Communion?

I think it's a common belief that one must "prepare one's heart" for communion. This belief most likely comes from Paul's teaching on the Lord's Supper in 1 Cor 11:17-34; more specifically, v. 27:

Now in the verse above, I used the KJV. But notice the subtle but significant difference in meaning in the NIV (and even the NKJV):

[W]hoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty... (italics mine)

See that? In the KJV, the implication is that you're sinning against the body and blood of the Lord if you come to the Lord's Table without being worthy of being there. How does one become worthy? We're not sure, but it probably would help immensely if the Christian took some time before Communion to "prepare one's heart" and to make sure of their worthiness.

But this isn't what Paul meant. The whole passage is referring to abuse and disregard for the poor while commemorating the Lord's Supper at church. The more well-to-do were making a mockery of what Communion was supposed to represent - the ultimate selflessness. As believers (let's give them the benefit of the doubt), they were worthy to partake of the Lord's Supper, but they were doing so in an unworthy manner.

Small, subtle change of words; significant change of meaning.