Do Not Complain about One Another
Brothers ands sisters are usually guilty of fighting with each other. There just seems to be a competition between siblings that causes conflict. Also, all of the usual fleshly desires lead to complaining about the other brother or sister because they did not do something our way, or they failed to do exactly what they were supposed to do. Now, I am referring to children growing up in the same home. However, the same can be said for brothers and sisters in Christ, can't it? That is a very unhealthy situation that doesn't benefit us as individuals, and it is a detriment to our churches. We really need to hear what James told the believers in his letter. (James 5:9) He admonished them as brothers and sisters, "Do not complain about one another." Then, he told them why. We must refrain from complaining about one another, so we will not be judged, and James reminded all of us that the Judge, Jesus, was standing at the door, so we could have to stand before Him at any time. What a great admonition.
A complaining spirit shows a heart that is not right with the Lord. God intends for us to be positive and loving toward all of those around us. Even when our fellow believers fail to do God's will, we must not complain about them, or gossip. We should go to them in love and restore them. The reason is that Jesus, Himself, made it very clear that we will be judged in the same way we judge other people. He is right to treat us that way, too, because if we complain against another brother or sister, we have done the same thing in some way at some time. Therefore, our complaining is judging ourselves for what we have done, and Jesus holds us guilty. Instead, let's stop complaining! Let's build up other believers. Let's be an encourager, not a complainer. Let's live as a happy spiritual family, and show the world the love of Christ shining through us in all we say and do. It will make our time before the Lord at the Judgment a whole lot better.
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Tomorrow, I intend to read I Peter 1-2.