Introduction
Complaining is something that seems small, yet the Word of God reveals that it can bring great destruction to the life of a believer. Many times, when things do not go the way we expect, our natural response is to murmur, grumble, or express dissatisfaction. However, Scripture shows us that complaining is not just a habit—it is a sin that displeases God and hinders our spiritual growth. As believers, we are called to live with thanksgiving, contentment, and trust in God, rather than allowing a complaining spirit to control our lives.
Complaining Displeases God
One of the clearest examples is found in the journey of Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land. The people complained repeatedly against God and against His servant Moses. In Numbers 11:1, it is written:
“And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled…”
Complaining is not a harmless act; it displeases God because it shows a lack of faith in His goodness and power. Every time the people of Israel faced a challenge, instead of remembering God’s miracles, they complained. This led them to wander in the wilderness for forty years. Complaining kept them from entering their inheritance.
Complaining Reveals a Heart of Unbelief
When we complain, we are essentially saying that God is not enough, that His provision is not sufficient, or that His plan is not good. In Hebrews 3:12, the Bible warns:
“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”
Complaining is rooted in unbelief. Instead of trusting God’s timing and purpose, a complaining heart doubts His ability to provide, protect, and guide. The Israelites had seen the Red Sea part, manna fall from heaven, and water flow from a rock, yet they still complained. Likewise, many believers today complain about their jobs, families, finances, and situations, forgetting how God has already delivered them in the past.
Complaining Opens the Door to Judgment
The Bible clearly shows that complaining can lead to serious consequences. 1 Corinthians 10:10 says:
“Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.”
Complaining is not just negative speech—it is rebellion against God’s authority. When the people murmured in the wilderness, God allowed serpents, plagues, and other judgments to come upon them. This shows us that complaining opens the door to destruction in the life of a believer. Instead of drawing God’s favor, it provokes His displeasure.
Complaining Corrupts Our Testimony
Believers are called to be the light of the world. However, when we complain, we destroy our testimony before others. Philippians 2:14–15 says:
“Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.”
A complaining spirit makes us blend into the world instead of standing out as examples of joy and faith. People who are constantly negative, bitter, and dissatisfied do not glorify God. Instead, they push others away from the truth. Our attitude should reflect the peace and contentment that comes from trusting in God.
Complaining Steals Our Joy and Peace
When we complain, our hearts become heavy, and we lose the joy of the Lord, which is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Complaining magnifies our problems and minimizes God’s power. It shifts our focus from the blessings we have to the things we lack.
The Bible instructs us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18:
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Gratitude brings peace and contentment, while complaining brings restlessness and discouragement. The more we complain, the more dissatisfied we become. But when we thank God in every situation, His peace fills our hearts.
How to Overcome Complaining
1. Develop a Grateful Heart
Instead of focusing on what you do not have, meditate on what God has already done. Psalm 103:2 says:
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
Write down your blessings daily and praise God for them. Gratitude chases away the spirit of complaint.
2. Trust God’s Plan
Complaining arises when we think things should happen in our timing and in our way. But the Bible says in Romans 8:28:
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Trusting God means believing that even when situations are hard, He is working for our good.
3. Speak Life, Not Death
Proverbs 18:21 reminds us:
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”
Instead of using your tongue to complain, use it to pray, to praise, and to encourage others. Speak faith-filled words that uplift and honor God.
4. Remember God’s Faithfulness
Whenever you feel tempted to complain, recall the times God has provided, healed, protected, and guided you. In Lamentations 3:22–23, the Word says:
“It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
Remembering God’s past faithfulness strengthens our faith in the present.
Conclusion
Complaining may seem harmless, but it is a dangerous sin that reveals unbelief, corrupts our testimony, opens the door to destruction, and robs us of peace. The Israelites serve as a warning example to every believer that a complaining spirit can keep us from entering into the fullness of God’s promises.
As believers, we are called to live differently. Instead of murmuring, we are to cultivate gratitude. Instead of doubting, we are to trust. Instead of complaining about what we lack, we are to rejoice in what God has already given us. By doing so, we not only please God, but we also shine as lights in a dark world.
Let us remember the words of Philippians 4:6:
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
May we overcome the danger of complaining and live in the joy, peace, and faith that God desires for His people.