jaboyle100
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- Aug 1, 2019
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The Holy Spirit is our Helper. He's the One Who helps shape us into the likeness of Jesus Christ. If we do not remain thankful when we are tested and tried by life's circumstances, we will "quench"(suppress or subdue) the Holy Spirit. One of the ways we quench the Holy Spirit is through complaining. The Holy Spirit cannot help us with our circumstances if we continually complain about them. Our natural tendency is to complain, but it is supernatural to give thanks when we are tested and tried by life's circumstances.
Complain means, to utter expressions of censure or resentment; to murmur; to find fault. The Greek word translated "complainer" means "one who is discontented with his lot in life." Complaining is not a fruit of the Spirit.-Galatians 5:22-23. Complaining hinders the peace, joy, and patience that comes from the Spirit. Do you complain behind closed doors? When a family member is not doing something you like or the way you like it, do you find yourself in a never ending cycle of complaining? Are the things you're complaining about usually pretty petty? If other people could see us, it's like we're having an "adult temper tantrum"! How ugly would that look! Do you complain when you're out in public; restaurants, shopping, etc.? Is complaining something that's part of your personality? Has it become a habit?
Although I still complain sometimes, God has helped me a lot in this area. I know I must have complained a lot more before I was saved. Of course I did! I didn't have the Holy Spirit dwelling within me to help me out. One of the things my husband and I disagree about is room temperature. Now, if I catch myself fixing to complain about it, the Holy Spirit prompts me to cool it. I'm reminded of James 5:9 which says,
Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. And Colossians 3:13-Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. I remind myself that this behavior not only displeases God, but it shows how worldly I still am.-James 4:1-3. A complaining spirit leads to fighting and quarreling because complaints come from unfulfilled desires, which lead to envy and strife.
When we find ourselves complaining about something, we must ask ourselves, is this really necessary? When we are complaining about something someone has or hasn't done, we are basically momentarily degrading them. We are causing them to experience feelings of inadequacy. We can't let our emotions get in the way of our new heart. Our new heart wants to love them deeply, so that we may become "blameless and pure" in God's eyes.
Lord, if we must complain, let it be to You about our own sinfulness so that You will forgive and cleanse us (1 John 1:9), and our new heart will rejoice rather than complain. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Love in Christ, Jan
Complain means, to utter expressions of censure or resentment; to murmur; to find fault. The Greek word translated "complainer" means "one who is discontented with his lot in life." Complaining is not a fruit of the Spirit.-Galatians 5:22-23. Complaining hinders the peace, joy, and patience that comes from the Spirit. Do you complain behind closed doors? When a family member is not doing something you like or the way you like it, do you find yourself in a never ending cycle of complaining? Are the things you're complaining about usually pretty petty? If other people could see us, it's like we're having an "adult temper tantrum"! How ugly would that look! Do you complain when you're out in public; restaurants, shopping, etc.? Is complaining something that's part of your personality? Has it become a habit?
Although I still complain sometimes, God has helped me a lot in this area. I know I must have complained a lot more before I was saved. Of course I did! I didn't have the Holy Spirit dwelling within me to help me out. One of the things my husband and I disagree about is room temperature. Now, if I catch myself fixing to complain about it, the Holy Spirit prompts me to cool it. I'm reminded of James 5:9 which says,
Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. And Colossians 3:13-Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. I remind myself that this behavior not only displeases God, but it shows how worldly I still am.-James 4:1-3. A complaining spirit leads to fighting and quarreling because complaints come from unfulfilled desires, which lead to envy and strife.
When we find ourselves complaining about something, we must ask ourselves, is this really necessary? When we are complaining about something someone has or hasn't done, we are basically momentarily degrading them. We are causing them to experience feelings of inadequacy. We can't let our emotions get in the way of our new heart. Our new heart wants to love them deeply, so that we may become "blameless and pure" in God's eyes.
Lord, if we must complain, let it be to You about our own sinfulness so that You will forgive and cleanse us (1 John 1:9), and our new heart will rejoice rather than complain. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Love in Christ, Jan
