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Writer's pictureRhonda Harper

The Sin of Grumbling

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. . . . So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. . . .” James 3:1-12


Lately the sounds of grumbling Christians have filled my ears. If these grumblings are heard by me, then they most definitely are heard by other Christians, people of this world, and God. If they sadden me, then our Father must be in great distress from the sounds. However, His sadness will turn to anger. He was angry with the Hebrews when they complained in the wilderness. Grumbling shows a lack of faith.


Let’s use our mouths for the purpose God intended! “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14 “O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.” Psalm 51:15


And yes, the whining and grumbling on social media also count as using our mouths, so these are also sins. Now, I must go soak my aching toes and pray for God’s forgiveness.

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