Let the cup pass?

BFine · Feb 8, 2016

We were asked about this...
There are two Christians who are separated--
both are currently attending different churches,
should they take communion since they aren't in unity?

Unity meaning... being in agreement, such as
live together in marriage, honoring one
another instead of it being one-sided all the time?

One believes that adult children should be
given money whenever it's asked for and no
repayment is required(regardless of circumstances.)

Cernunnos · Feb 8, 2016

If Christians went without communion anytime they disagreed, nobody would ever do it.

I like pizza with bacon, mushrooms, pineapple, extra cheese and sausage . . . . I am sure there are Christians that would not eat of the same pizza as me based on my choices of toppings. Some would wish for more veggies, some would have a dislike for one or more specific items (vegans would hate my pizza) This is not a reason to not take communion.

The couple in question is already separated and attending other churches, it isn't like they'd even be sharing a common cup per the Catholic or Anglican traditions, so it seems like regardless of what their difference of opinion, be it pizza or helping adult children, they should have full fellowship in the part of the Bride of Christ that they worship in.

Albion · Feb 8, 2016

I don't think there's enough here for us to handle the issue adequately. For example, attending different churches. Yes, but which churches? And are they members or just visiting at the present time? Also, it's a question whether or not giving money to the couple's grown children does much to determine if the two are united in the faith or divided on fundamental doctrinal matters.

TravelerFarAwayFromHome · Feb 8, 2016

BFine said:
We were asked about this...
There are two Christians who are separated--
both are currently attending different churches,
should they take communion since they aren't in unity?

Unity meaning... being in agreement, such as
live together in marriage, honoring one
another instead of it being one-sided all the time?

One believes that adult children should be
given money whenever it's asked for and no
repayment is required(regardless of circumstances.)

cant answer the first question since i dont know my scripture well enough

as far as second question go.

for me it really depends on the situation

why is the kid asking for money

is it an emergency?

also there are cases where parents do give adult children money as gifts for birthdays so on and so forth

but i guess that is not what you are referring to here

i do think ideally if the kids are asking for money for an emergency, both party should come up with a payment plan that is reasonable with no interest ( i personally think it is too much to lend one's kids money and ask for interest on top of it)

paul1149 · Feb 8, 2016

BFine said:
should they take communion since they aren't in unity?

Unity meaning... being in agreement

Being in agreement is not a qualification for taking Communion. Forgiveness, however, AISI, is. They can be out of agreement but in forgiveness, and I would see no reason to abstain from Communion. Communion can be a means of gaining strength to fight our battles, which in their case might mean effecting reconciliation. I would hate to take Communion while harboring bitterness though. This is a matter of the heart, not of circumstances.

BFine · Feb 8, 2016

Albion said:
I don't think there's enough here for us to handle the issue adequately. For example, attending different churches. Yes, but which churches?
*At this point we're taking the question as if it's
a "general inquiry" type question.
I do suspect that the person who asked the question
has someone that we know in mind... that's the
"vibe" we're getting.

And are they members or just visiting at the present time?
*How does it work when a couple is a member of
one church but then one of them leaves to attend
church somewhere else?
Are they both still members
since they are married or does membership only apply
to the one who still active attends the church (where
both were official members?)

Also, it's a question whether or not giving money to the couple's grown children does much to determine if the two are united in the faith or divided on fundamental doctrinal matters.

BFine · Feb 8, 2016

@paul1149:

You've given me some food for thought...

ValleyGal · Feb 8, 2016

If we have to be in agreement, then entire churches should not be taking communion. In fact, it is communion which unites us - the humility of recognizing our fallen nature and dependency on the Lord Jesus, taking in faith One who died for all. I agree with the poster who said that taking communion is a matter of heart - and in preparation for taking communion, we should be examining our heart for any unrepented sin.

If the spouses in this couple have sin in their hearts toward each other, they might want to reconcile that with God and with each other first. It says in the Bible to leave your gift at the altar (communion in this case) and be reconciled. Being reconciled is being restored to a right relationship and that can happen even when there is disagreement.

It sounds to me like this couple might need to have someone facilitate some conflict management so they are able to navigate future disagreements on this issue.

Goodbook · Feb 8, 2016

Is this a married couple?
Well. They would need to examine themselves so as not to drink or eat the body and blood of christ unworthily. If they were truly following Jesus they would know they need to seek forgivness from each other.

I have no idea whther one or both would be in the wrong..but I am not them and dont know their hearts. God sees though. He has warning for ppl who do that, who play church. Esp in Jude.

BFine · Feb 8, 2016

It's a married couple.

BFine · Feb 9, 2016

I'm relieved it was only someone who was
"curious" and not someone taking offense to
a person we know who's separated
and has been engaging in communion.

@paul1149: I shared what you posted and that
helped them...and me as well...thank you and
thanks to everyone who replied!!!

paul1149 · Feb 9, 2016

Thank you for the feedback, @BFine. I really appreciate it.

NothingIsImpossible · Feb 10, 2016

I guess I'd be more curious as to why a married couple is going to different churches. I was always raised with when you marry you attend church together. But thats just me.

BFine · Feb 10, 2016

NothingIsImpossible said:
I guess I'd be more curious as to why a married couple is going to different churches. I was always raised with when you marry you attend church together. But thats just me.

*Sometimes people who don't resolve their issues
or admit they have problems separate... I've seen
this going on a lot lately...sadly they go to another
church with those unresolved issues and spin stories-
so the other spouse is painted as the "bad guy."

NothingIsImpossible · Feb 11, 2016

Ah thats trues. Didn't think about that. It makes sense now.

Let the cup pass?

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