Expert: Marvin Howard - 6/19/2006

Question
I am concerned with some women who talk during the Lord's supper. Shouldn't this be a time of reverence? My question: Why and how should we show reverence during the Lord's supper?

Answer
Hi!

Larry, I too have noticed this. It seems to be a trend. Though clear and specific instructions are given what and when to partake, not much is said on how to do so.

1st Corinthians 11:23-33, "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another."

Clearly, we are commanded to examine ourselves. As I read this, it is to occur DURING the observance. I agree with you that this speaking is quite irreverant. Personally, if I hear even a foot scuffle during the observance, I cut a warning look to any of my children. I have always stressed to my family that no matter what anyone else does, they are not to provide any distraction, to anyone, during this time. It is something that is supposed to have extremely deep meaning for us. I have been told that babies cannot help when they cry, and that it is a blessed sound to hear them. I do not remove them from the service, EXCEPT during communion and when they are loud.

For me (separate from my family), I bow and pray silently during the observance. I realize deeply how I have sinned, and how unworthy I truly am for the sacrifice He gave on Calvary. Then, when I go further and remember His forgiveness, and that I am in Him, then I get goosebumps from the inward joy I feel at this sharing of the Supper WITH Him. I have written an article on something similar to this in my 360 ministry. The address for both branches of my ministry are included in my signature, below.

The only advice I can provide is that of Scripture.

Matthew 18:15-17, "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican."

If it's a problem for you, it's likely a problem for others. Take it to her (or them), and if they stop, everything is fine. If not, then the other steps of church discipline will determine who is correct. Personally, I believe that you are. However, I cannot presume to speak for your elders.

I pray you have a swift resolution to this issue, and that the Lord's Supper in your congregation will soon be free from distractions for everyone, as this is the very center and reason of our worship.

In His Service,
Marvin Howard
preacherman_1962@yahoo.com
http://www.geocities.com/preacherman_1962
http://360.yahoo.com/preacherman_1962