Conquering Complaining | Part 2
by Dr. Antonio M. Alfred
Last time I discussed the dangers of complaining and speaking against others. In this article, I want to talk about different situations in which we choose to complain. Sometimes we cast complaints against someone for doing good deeds. The Pharisees did this in Luke 5:30. They were buzzing with complaints because Jesus was eating at a Tax Collectors house named Levi. Another way that murmuring is expressed among us is by complaining about our leaders.
To illustrate, Numbers 16 records the Israelites complaining attitude when stirred up by the Sons of Korah against Moses and Aaron, his brother. Korah, Dathan, and Abiram questioned and complained about the leadership of Moses and Aaron. Because of their complaining, God caused the earth to open up and swallow them and their family alive. Psalms 106:25 explains that we grumble because we do not listen to the voice of the LORD. When we fail to listen and obey God’s Word, we suffer disunity and sometimes death. Philippians 2:14 exhorts us to “Do all things without grumbling or disputing” because the sin of complaining causes division. When we complain against our husband, wife, children, pastor, brother, sister, neighbor, or co-worker we become an instrument of divisiveness. Alfred 2
AMA 3-28-19
Well, how do you stop complaining? First, realize that complaining can be conquered. Second, instead of focusing on the sins of other, focus on your own sins. The best place to begin is with your complaining attitude. Third, put on an attitude of forgiveness. That is, ask God to give you a willing heart to forgive those who have offended you. Forgiveness means to never bring up an offense again to anyone—not even you.
In closing, let your motivation to forgive, instead of complaining, be the forgiveness that God showed you in Jesus Christ. To forgive others means to express God’s love to them by choosing not to remember their sins any longer. You must practice bearing or putting up with one another (Philippians 3:13). When you commit to follow these Biblical principles you will conquer your complaining and begin to experience the unity and power of the Holy Spirit.
