Complain, Complain, Complain. This is something that really comes natural to most of us. Yet, we need to see that it is sinful and is a direct reflection of God’s goodness and providential care for His people.

The mind of man is a “factory of idols.” We are infested with lusts. Listen closely to any person given to complaining, and you will observe the creativity of our cravings.

David Powlison. Seeing With New Eyes, P&R Publishers, 2003, p.152

See here the evil of murmuring and complaining at our lot in the world. How apt are ye to quarrel with God, as if He were in the wrong when His dealings with you are not according to your own desires and wishes? You demand a reason, and call God to an account, Why am I thus? Why so much afflicted and distressed? Why so long afflicted? And why such an affliction rather than another? Why am I so poor and another so rich? Thus your hearts rise up against God. But you should remember that this is to defame the counsels of infinite wisdom, as if God had not ordered your affairs wisely enough in His eternal counsel.

Thomas Boston. Of the Decrees of God, Commentary on the Shorter Catechism

Consider these verses then walk through the study by Daryl Wingerd

and stop complaining.

Philippians 2:14–18 – [14] Do all things without grumbling or disputing, [15] that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, [16] holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. [17] Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. [18] Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me. (ESV)

1 Thessalonians 5:15–18 – [15] See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. [16] Rejoice always, [17] pray without ceasing, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (ESV)

Ephesians 4:29–32 – [29] Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. [32] Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (ESV)

A 12 Point Cure for Complaining

Daryl Wingerd

Complaining is unbecoming of the true Christian and yet we are proficient at it. The cure is found in these verses. In Christ we are never hopeless or forsaken. Every trial has meaning.

Meditate on this cure in order to change both your language and your heart.

1. God commands me never to complain (Phil. 2:14).

2. God commands me to give thanks in every circumstance (1 Thess. 5:18).

3. God commands me to rejoice always, and especially in times of trial (1 Thess. 5:16; Jas. 1:2).

4. I always deserve much worse than what I am suffering now, in fact, I deserve hell (Lam. 3:39; Lk. 13:2-3).

5. In light of the eternal happiness and glory that I will experience in heaven, this present trial is extremely brief and insignificant, even if it were to last a lifetime (Rom. 8:18; 2 Cor. 4:19).

6. My suffering is far less than that which Christ suffered, and He did not complain (1 Pet. 2:23).

7. To complain is to say God is not just (Gen. 18:25).

8. Faith and prayer exclude complaining (Psalm 34:4).

9. This difficulty is being used by God for my good and it is foolish for me to complain against it (Rom. 8:28).

10. Those more faithful than I have suffered far worse than I, and did so without complaint (Heb. 11:35-39).

11. Complaining denies that God’s grace is entirely sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9).

12. The greatest suffering, the worst trial or difficulty, can never rob me of that which is of greatest value to me and my greatest joy, namely the love of Christ (Rom. 8:35-39).

A 12 Point Cure for Complaining, Christian Communicators Worldwide, www.CCWtoday.org