One of the problems in the Corinthian church was that while they were supposedly remembering the Lord and his sacrifice on the cross through communion, at the very same time they were despising his body.
That is, they were despising the poor Christians in their church. As a result, some were being judged by the Lord, some getting sick, others even dying. (1 Corinthians 11:22, 30)
It was a very severe judgment they received, and so Paul warns the church, “Search your hearts before you take communion so that you can avoid such judgment.” (1 Corinthians 11:28, 31)
God’s discipline can be severe. But it would be good for us to remember something important: the judgment we receive from the Lord is different from the judgment unbelievers receive from the Lord.
Paul says,
but when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we may not be condemned with the world. (1 Corinthians 11:32)
No discipline we receive from the Lord, no matter how severe, leads to eternal death. In that sense, we do not need to fear the Lord’s wrath.
Still, make no mistake: God does not take sin lightly. Neither should we. When we do, his discipline can be quite painful. In that sense, we very much do need to fear the Lord.
God loves us, but that does not mean we can escape his discipline. So remember the words of the writer of Hebrews.
My son, do not take the Lord’s discipline lightly
or lose heart when you are reproved by him,
for the Lord disciplines the one he loves
and punishes every son he receives. (Hebrews 12:5-6)
Moment to Moment (Bible blog) 