Letter to the Congregations: 13th December 2025

Our Dear Brethren,

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea” (Mark 9:42).

We make choices in life. Some of our choices are definitely more methodical. Some people are naturally more methodical in the way they plan life’s events very carefully. Some of our choices are made in haste. Sometimes out of necessity and other times out of emotion. There are choices that directly or indirectly affect other people and some that only seem to affect ourselves.

Whether impulsive or planned out, our choices have the potential to cause someone else to stumble or cause offense to someone else. That’s what the warning in Mark 9 from Jesus is about. Offenses will happen, but we shouldn’t be the kind of people that go around purposefully causing offense. We also should be aware that offenses might come from us when we don’t mean to offend. Offense can be a very powerful relationship disruptor, and God has called us to build relationships, not dismantle them. So how do we avoid offense?

One of the biggest ways to avoid offending other people is to try and see things from their perspective. This is one of the most challenging things to do in the moment when we are making quick decisions. Or when we are in the middle of a conversation or a discussion. Looking at a situation from the perspective of another person is much easier if we take a moment to think before we react or respond. Here are some great Bible verses that should remind us to think before we react, especially when it comes to the words that come out of our mouths:

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19).

“He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction” (Proverbs 13:3).

“He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him” (Proverbs 18:13).

Our challenge, as God’s people, is to navigate the building of relationships while also navigating our own personal spiritual growth. Learning how to take a moment to consider someone else’s perspective before we react is one tool that God gives us to help us avoid offense and build stronger relationships with one another. May God give us the patience we need to follow His word no matter how we might be feeling in the moment.

Our love is with you,

Lewis VanAusdle

Pastor, United Church of God

NYC, NJ, CT, Malawi, Zimbabwe