What happens if I take communion while I am not right with a fellow believer?
Taking communion while not right with a fellow believer means eating and drinking condemnation, being guilty of the Lord's body and blood, because one partakes unworthily with a wrong attitude. Scripture warns this can bring God's chastening, including sickness, weakness, and even death.
Les explains that communion requires self-examination. If a person can honestly say they are right with fellow believers, they may partake. If not, they should withhold, because partaking unworthily means eating and drinking condemnation and being guilty of the Lord's body and blood. The issue is the wrong attitude, not merely the elements. Paul says the Corinthians came with revelry or held enmity against someone across the room, even taking matters to court. That kind of attitude cannot approach the Lord's table. Because of such sins, many were sick and weak, and many were asleep; God was chastising them by removing health. John's epistle also speaks of a sin unto death, for which John warns not to pray.
For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.
More Questions
When should you not take communion?
A believer who can honestly say he is right with the Lord and right with fellow believers is free to partake of the Lord's Supper, but one who cannot should withhold, because partaking in that state means drinking and eating condemnation.