What does it mean to complain? It means to express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something. A complainer is one who often verbalizes his discontent with some aspects of life. Such a person is a grumbler, one who does not consistently bear the fruits of the spirit: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT). A believer who regularly complains is telling the world that he’s no different from them. Why would someone want to come to Christ when we’re constantly expressing that we are just as unhappy with our lives as they are with theirs? Aren’t we supposed to show them that, in spite of life’s troubles, we can still have joy?

Complaining is not a new thing. The Apostles, in their letters, addressed this topic. “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 1:9 NIV). “Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door!” (James 5:9 NLT). “Do all things without complaining…” (Philippians 2:14 NASB). Each of us is to be a light in the world. We will never accomplish this by complaining.