Greetings my dear brothers and sisters in Christ!
It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this to you today. Lately, I have noticed among the congregation quite a bit of grumbling, whining and mumbling over trivial things. Talking badly about one another to the body, being nothing more than a gossip and a slanderer.
Have we forgotten, brothers and sisters, that it is written:
“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
James 4:11-12 NIV
It is also written:
“Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!”
James 5:9 NIV
It is also written:
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”
James 1:26 NIV
It is also written:
"Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.”
Philippians 2:14-15 NIV
Brothers and sisters, remember the God we serve. We are to love one another as HE loves us. This is a command from the most high God. If you have a problem with someone, go to God in prayer first. Humble yourself before the Father. Give your grievances to Him. Our words to each other are meant to be seasoned with salt so that it may benefit those who hear. We are meant to encourage and build up one another, bearing in love with those who are weak in the faith.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”
Ephesians 4:29-30 NIV
I know that there is plenty that could be improved upon in our church, but simply complaining about it, pointing it out or stating what needs to be done does nothing but exhaust and dishearten those who hear you. If you see something that needs to be changed, do not be someone who sits in a chair drinking lemonade, critiquing those who are working. Rather, grab some gloves and ease the burden or be silent.
To put it another way:
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
James 2:14-17 NIV
Brothers and sisters, I am not without fault in this. I am guilty of being this way. Join me in coming before our Heavenly Father in humility to ask him to circumcise our heart and to obey what it is written:
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV
I pray this word finds you well, brothers and sisters, and may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always,
Pastor Dakota Swinton