Three Reasons You Need to Stop Complaining

Have you ever been around a person who complains about everything? Do you have Facebook friends who seem to only post complaints about their lives? Have you ever been that person; I know I have. It is so easy for us to fall into the trap of being a chronic complainer. If you think this might describe you, here some reasons you need to stop complaining:

1. You Can’t Complain and Rejoice at the Same Time

Christians are supposed to be a rejoicing people. In fact, Paul says, “Rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). If you’re one of those people who are always complaining, you’re also one of those people who are never rejoicing because you can’t do them both at the same time.

2. You Can’t Complain and be Grateful at the Same Time

Christians have so much for which to be grateful and thankful. Even though we deserve punishment, we been forgiven (Ephesians 1:7). Even though we deserve to spend eternity in hell, a home is prepared for us in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1). I know things can be hard and painful, but just think of all the things for which you have to be thankful.

3. You Miss the Point of Trials When You’re Busy Complaining

God didn’t cause your pain necessarily. But, He is allowing you to go through whatever you’re going through. One reason He’s allowing it is so that you can reach new levels of maturity (James 1:2-4). One reason He’s allowing it is so that you can see that His grace is sufficient for you; He is all you need (2 Corinthians 12:8-10). And the main reason He allows us to go through trials is that He seems to be most glorified in our moments of greatest struggle.

Consider the people in your life who you see as spiritual giants; they’re probably not people for whom life has been easy and simple. Most likely, they are people who have had to struggle. People who have been through painful times. You’ve seen their struggle and you’ve seen the faith they maintained throughout those struggles. Most likely, you even witnessed a grateful attitude throughout their struggles.

God may very well be giving you the opportunity to be such a person right now. He may be giving you a great opportunity to grow, to learn, and to glorify Him. So, “count it all joy” (James 1:2) and “do all things without grumbling” (Philippians 2:14). If we can learn to stop complaining all the time, rejoice, be grateful, and give glory to God, we will “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15).

I love you and God loves you,

P.S. I think we can all tell the difference between letting people know we’re in need of help because we’re hurting (physically, emotionally, or spiritually) and constantly complaining with an, “Oh-woe-is-me” attitude. Be careful not to mistake one for the other.

The post Three Reasons You Need to Stop Complaining appeared first on Radically Christian.