Many Christians approach communion with somber self-examination and feelings of unworthiness, but this misinterprets Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 11. The historical context reveals that Paul was addressing selfishness in the Corinthian church, where wealthy members consumed everything before poorer members arrived. The 'unworthy manner' wasn't about personal sin but about disregarding fellow believers during this sacred meal.

When Paul instructed believers to 'examine themselves,' he wasn't demanding an inventory of sins but encouraging consideration of how they treated others. His solution wasn't more introspection but practical advice: wait for one another and eat at home if hungry. Communion celebrates that we're already right with God through Jesus' sacrifice. Like the Mook tribe in Papua New Guinea who joyfully celebrated for hours upon hearing the gospel, shouting 'Etaw! Etaw!' (It's good! It's true!), we should approach communion as a celebration of grace rather than a time of guilt. It's an appetizer for the grand banquet in God's kingdom, a preview of the marriage supper of the Lamb.