Sunday Bulletin – 05 October 2025

Reverend Wilfred Lim | Oct 05, 2025

Dear worshipers of the Most High,

Offence reveals what is in our heart.

To be offended is to feel upset, hurt, or angry because of something said or done. Scripture shows us many examples:

⁠Michal was offended when David danced “undignifiedly” before the Lord. It exposed her carnality, so much so that she was described as the daughter of Saul instead of the wife of David (2 Sam 6:20, 23).
Haman was enraged when Mordecai refused to bow, and it revealed his pride (Est 3:1–3).
The synagogue ruler was offended when Jesus healed on the Sabbath, showing the darkness of a religious spirit (Lk 13:11–14).
Even many disciples were offended by Jesus’ hard sayings. Their struggle was exposed, and many turned back from following Him (Jn 6:60–66).

So let me ask: Are we also offended in our hearts? And what does that reveal about us?

At home or at work, offence often rises with the slightest trigger from a spouse, neighbor, or colleague. And in church life, some are offended…

When ushers fail to greet them
⁠When “their” seat is taken
⁠When they dislike the worship songs
⁠Or when they disapprove of a fellow believer’s attire

Yet the Word declares: “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Jesus promised: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you” (John 14:27). Paul describes this peace as surpassing understanding, guarding our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

But who enjoys this peace? Those who love God’s law. To love His law is not to read the Bible mechanically, or skim it as if it were the daily news. His law includes His instructions and His teachings (NLT, NCV). Instructions are to be obeyed, and teachings are to be learned. As we embrace and practise His Word, we partake of the very life of the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). Offences may still come, but they no longer have much weight. When our hearts are anchored in God’s truth, we are not easily moved by careless words, unkind actions, or unfulfilled promises. What used to be important no more deserves our attention. Through the lens of God’s word, His instructions teach us to forgive, His teachings remind us to walk humbly, and His promises assure us of His justice.

Beloved saints, let us lay aside every offence and walk in His peace.

Maranatha—the Lord is coming soon!

Rev. Wilfred Lim