Living HD - A Journey Through the Letter of James预览

I once heard a sermon in which the pastor said that every time you sigh, it is a silent complaint. That was a terrible thought for me. As someone who speaks way faster than my muscles can stop the words from tumbling out of my mouth, I feel quite proud if I want to complain but stop the words from coming out. I totally forgave myself for the sigh. But thinking about that thought, and reading this verse, made me think again. 

Apart from the fact that a complaining person can be annoying and exhausting and just plain unpleasant, James is saying that we will be judged for these words. He is not talking about fellow men that will judge us, but our Father in heaven. We are reminded in scripture to be patient in trials, in suffering and in waiting. And just as we think that our circumstances are bad enough to complain, James tells us to follow the examples of the prophets in their suffering. Just reading about Jeremiah lying on one side for 390 days (Ez 4:4-5) is already worse than anything in my life…

How many silent complaints exit your mouth daily? A sigh, an irritation, a look or the rolling of eyes? How many grumbles do you voice to others? Are you seen as a patient person?

Ask the Holy Spirit for the supernatural fruit of patience and long-suffering.