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Bible Answer
Is it wrong for a believer to abstain from communion?
Today at church I had the communion cup and bread in my hand, but I just couldn't bring myself to partake in the ritual. I thank God daily for sending his son to take my place on that cross, so now I am looking for answers to why I felt the need to abstain earlier. Is it wrong of me not to have participated today?
Scripture does not prescribe a certain day or frequency for believers to participate in the observance of the Last Supper meal. Paul only says:
1Cor. 11:26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
Therefore, you did not sin by refraining from taking communion in your church service. In fact, if you felt convicted to abstain, then you were required to abide by your conscience as James teaches:
James 4:17 Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.
If you feel the Lord gave you specific counsel by His Spirit concerning your situation, then you must follow the Spirit’s leading for to do otherwise is sin.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org
