Letter to the Congregations: 3rd January 2026

Our Dear Brethren,

“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: who forgives all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from destruction, who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:1-5).

In this powerful psalm are many strong reminders to God’s own people of His purposes and plans for us. We also find within the lines of this psalm some powerful and comforting reminders of our God’s mercy, grace, and patience with us. We are flawed human beings who still have many things to learn. As we learn and grow we should be grateful that our God is not standing ready to strike us down when we fall back into our sins or let our own anger and impatience overtake our ability to approach our brethren in a godly manner.

“The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities” (Psalm 103:6-10).

The reaction of our God to our personal sins, and the fact that He doesn’t hold onto anger, are strong examples for us. This is what we should strive for as well. How often do we hold onto hurts at the front of our minds and not actively try to forgive and forget? How often do we hold onto moments when we feel stronger than another even without meaning to? Can we learn to become more like our God, more willing to have mercy and grace, more willing to forgive, more willing to have pity on God’s children?

“For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:11-14).

By relying on God’s lovingkindness, and by putting His mercy and forgiveness into practice among ourselves, we truly give praise to our God and truly bless the Lord at all times with all that is within us!

Our love is with you,

Lewis VanAusdle

Pastor, United Church of God

NYC, NJ, CT, Malawi, Zimbabwe