Breaking Bread and Standing Together

Be it the English Sally Lunn, Germany’s Pretzels, France’s Crepes, the Tortillas of Mexico, the Kulich of Russia, the Kouloras of Greece, or the Hebrew Challah, bread is the staff of life in many cultures. Which is why breaking bread signifies friendship, unity, and hospitality. 

Whether breaking bread over the communion table or sharing it with friends at a meal, the meaning behind this practice comes alive to us when we break bread with our church family, no matter where in the world.

The body of Christ is a great force

When functioning properly, it is one of the greatest forces on earth. And one of the greatest strengths for our life and well-being, both spiritual and emotional. When faced with difficulties that seem insurmountable, what a blessing to know that our spiritual family is there for us. Standing with us in prayer and in practical ways.

The body of Christ, when functioning properly, is one of the greatest forces on earth… it has all the power of God and heaven behind it!

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Fellowship helps us grow.

Does it seem that you take one step forward then two backwards in your spiritual walk?

Perhaps you lack the strength of being held up and supported by fellow believers. Any task is easier when shared, and our walk with Christ is no different.

So don’t give up on the church. Yes, she’s full of problems. And of people who don’t always walk what they talk.

But that’s because the church, after all, is like a hospital. It’s where the spiritually sick or weak can find help, hope, and comfort. The church is not for perfect people; we’ll only find them in heaven. It is for people like you and me, often weak, struggling, and in need of help.

Be with your church family

So, spend this Sunday (all of them) with your spiritual family!

If you’ve been away from the church, for whatever reason, consider getting back into a body. We need each other. And it is also by the love we show one another that Christ will be lifted up. But to do that, we must be together!

That’s why I’m so grateful for my wonderful brethren around the world. They have stood with us in prayer and practical ways all through the years. But in many ways, we’re most grateful of all for our Italian brethren. In times of trouble and trial, they’ve been here, right by our side. Loving, supporting, and helping us stand even in life’s toughest storms.

And this blessing is possible only because Christ, through his death and resurrection, reunited us not only to our heavenly Father, but also made us part of a great body around the world.

Rediscover the immense blessing of the strength that is found in communion and fellowship of those who share your journey!

When was the last time you really thanked the Lord for the wonderful and ingenius gift of fellowship? And also thanked your brethren for who and what they are in your life?

Communion is strength, solitude is weakness. Alone, the fine old beech yields to the blast, and lies prone upon the sward: in the forest, supporting each other, the trees laugh at the hurricane. The sheep of Jesus flock together; the social element is the genius of Christianity.

Charles Spurgeon, Illustration Collection

Images: Bread by fancycrave1 | Drinks by bridgesward.