MINIMIZE YOUR COMPLAINTS – JULY 2025 NEWSLETTER
Topic: MINIMIZE YOUR COMPLAINTS
Text: Philippians 2:14
“Do all things without grumbling or disputing.” (ESV)
Introduction:
It is normal to reflect on the year’s accomplishments and missteps around the midpoint. We should “examine ourselves, to see whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV). The first six months may have been disappointing, delayed, or tragic. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV) reads, “To everything there is a season.” Life is unpredictable. As the year continues, we are encouraged to transition from complaint to commitment, and from discontent to gratitude. Grumbling is frequent, yet Scripture discourages it.
Christians must “do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure” (Philippians 2:14–15, NIV). Complaining depletes our emotional and spiritual vitality, obscuring God’s presence. According to John Piper, a Christian theologian, appreciation is more than a sentiment. Accepting God’s sovereignty and benevolence is a fundamental Christian virtue, even in the face of adversity. God did not send us here to become spiritually drained or frustrated.
Moses urged the Israelites to be bold in Deuteronomy 31:6. They should not be afraid because God is with them; He never leaves you. Despite our scheduling delays, God’s intentions are being carried out. We need to do a spiritual inventory to refocus our objectives and attitudes for the remaining months.
According to Ruth Haley Barton, a Christian psychologist and author, “we can become unmoored, swept away by busyness and surface living” without reflection (Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership, 2008). Let the Bible guide and rejuvenate our thoughts in order to realign them (Romans 12:2). Despite the urge to linger on our losses, we must move on. Gratitude promotes perspective and purpose. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus,” states 1 Thessalonians 5:18. It upholds God’s providence rather than disregarding calamity.
The second half of the year holds immense potential, but we must shift our perspective. Minimising complaints and concentrating allows God to work through us. This season, keep your faith alive through gratitude and His Word. A.W. Tozer argues that a thankful heart cannot be cynical; it always follows God.
1. Complaining Distracts from Purpose
When we complain, we may become so fixated on our deficiencies that we lose sight of our larger purpose. The Israelites in the wilderness illustrate this (Numbers 14:1–4).
Even though God had miraculously delivered them from Egypt and promised them a land flowing with milk and honey, their incessant whining obscured the blessings already available to them. They wanted to return to bondage rather than rely on God’s provision, disregarding His faithfulness in the face of current adversity.
Christian pastor and author John Piper cautions that complaining is “the verbal form of unbelief,” indicating a heart that has lost faith in God’s kindness and power (Piper, Desiring God Ministries). According to theologian Warren Wiersbe, mumbling is indicative of an unrepentant heart and an unregenerated mind,” ultimately separating us from God’s voice and counsel.
Our tendency to complain hinders our ability to hear God clearly. Instead of seeking divine guidance or solutions, we remain stuck in negativity and self-pity. Paul exhorts Christians to be “blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish amid a crooked and twisted generation,” by “doing all things without grumbling or disputing” (Philippians 2:14–15).
Our words influence not only the atmosphere of our communities and minds but also reveal the state of our souls. We must learn to recognise whether the words we use are edifying or destructive, especially in our self-talk. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us that “the tongue has the power to produce both life and death, and those who cherish it will consume its fruits” (ESV). “Negative words can wound our spirit, but Spirit-filled words can bring healing and hope,” says author and pastor Charles Stanley.
Instead of complaining, Scripture encourages us to be thankful and faithful. As stated in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” When we choose to show gratitude and speak life, we open ourselves to hearing God’s perspective and fulfilling His promises.
- Gratitude Attracts God’s Favour
Grace embraces the hand of God, while grumbling creates distance. Gratitude draws us closer to God’s presence, whereas grumbling often reveals a heart misaligned with His will.
In her book One Thousand Gifts, Christian author Ann Voskamp writes: “Thanksgiving is intrinsic to a genuine salvation experience; thanksgiving is essential for the pursuit of the most fulfilling, complete, and well-rounded life.”
When we are grateful, our focus shifts from our needs to God’s character as a dependable provider and redeemer.
Despite his imprisonment, shipwreck, beatings, and constant danger (2 Corinthians 11:24–27), the apostle Paul maintained a grateful and joyful attitude. His timeless admonition to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV) serves as a foundational text for growing in faith.
Amid sorrow, gratitude can arise, not as a denial of truth, but as an acknowledgement of God’s sovereign hand, as Paul’s life demonstrates. According to Christian theologian Henri Nouwen, “Gratitude transcends the terms ‘mine’ and ‘thine’ and asserts the reality that all of life is a pure gift.”
Adopting this stance of thankfulness aligns us with God’s heart. It does not ignore suffering but sees it through the lens of God’s involvement in human history. Romans 8:28 affirms this: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Expressing thankfulness is a spiritual discipline, not merely a feeling. John Piper, pastor and writer, emphasises that “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him,” even during difficult times.
As a result, a thankful heart becomes a conduit for divine revelation. It perceives opportunities where others see only obstacles, because it trusts in God’s unseen hand always at work.
3. Speak Life, Expect Life
Our words are not dispassionate; rather, they are catalysts capable of influencing our reality. Proverbs 18:21 states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will reap its rewards.” This verse underlines the spiritual and practical value of speech: the words we speak affect our experiences.
Charles Spurgeon, a Christian theologian, once observed, “Beware of no individual more than yourself; our most formidable adversaries reside within us.” Spurgeon’s perspective emphasizes the internal difficulties we endure, particularly the damaging beliefs we allow to take root in our thoughts and emotions.
If you want the second half of the year to outperform the first, begin by expressing it with conviction, not merely as an affirmation, but as a spiritual act based on God’s promises. In 2 Corinthians 4:13, Paul says, “I believed, and therefore I spoke,” which connects faith with proclamation. When we are anchored in faith, our words express optimism and trust in divine providence. Demonstrate passion for your family, business, health, and purpose.
Regardless of the challenges we face, we can develop the ability to speak words that align with God’s truth rather than our fleeting circumstances. Dallas Willard, a renowned Christian philosopher, stressed the transforming effect of language in spiritual growth, saying, “Words shape our lives.” They are more than sounds or symbols—they embody vision, meaning, and purpose.
Replacing “I am tired of this” with “I am trusting God through this” captures the essence of Psalm 46:1, which states, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Instead of complaining that “nothing ever works out for me,” proclaim the truth of Romans 8:28: “We recognise that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose.”
This practice is not denial; rather, it represents a commitment to discipleship. It is the process of learning to align our words with God’s promises instead of being overwhelmed by life’s pressures. Joyce Meyer, a well-known Christian author, says, “You can transform your life by changing your words.”
It is critical to understand that the tongue holds the power of life and death. The language we use not only reflects our beliefs but also influences our growth. Therefore, let us speak with intention. Lay the foundation of your life with truth. Express hope, not despair; speak with conviction, not fear. Let your confession mirror God’s promises and expect His presence to manifest in every area of your life.
Conclusion: Make the Shift
It may seem reasonable to complain for a while, but it never leads anywhere. A complaining spirit often reflects a lack of trust in God’s provision and timing, as reminded by the Scripture: “Do all things without grumbling or disputing” (Philippians 2:14, ESV).
Let us enter the second half of the year with discipline instead of discouragement, gratitude instead of discontent, and faith instead of impatience. According to Christian writer and thinker Jerry Bridges, “Trust is not a passive state of mind, but a vigorous act of the soul by which we choose to lay hold on the promises of God” (Bridges, Trusting God).
This choice shines brightest when everything seems to be falling apart. C.S. Lewis emphasised a similar truth: “Faith… is the art of holding on to things your reason has once accepted, despite your changing moods” (Mere Christianity). God values a trusting attitude, even in hardship. According to Hebrews 11:6, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him.” Thankfulness and faith in challenging times not only honor God but also transform us into mature, unshakeable believers (James 1:2–4).
Instead of lamenting and groaning, let us speak words of hope as we move into the coming months.
Reflection
What have I been complaining about lately?
How has that complaint affected my joy, relationships, or productivity?
What can I be grateful for right now?
How can I use my words to build rather than break?
Take five minutes today to journal your answers, then pray the prayer below.
Let Us Pray
Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing me to this point in the year. Forgive me for the times I’ve allowed frustration and complaining to rule my heart. Teach me to trust You in every season. Help me to see Your hand even in the waiting. I declare that the rest of this year will be filled with purpose, peace, and power. I choose to speak life, to live in gratitude, and to walk by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
References
English Standard Version Bible. (2001). Crossway Bibles.
Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan.
Maxwell, J. C. (2007). The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth. Centre Street.
Meyer, J. (2009). Power Thoughts: 12 Strategies to Win the Battle of the Mind. FaithWords.
Letters of Kindness | nwarespectlife.
Magnus, L. (2016). You Became an Example: A Reading from 1 & 2 Thessalonians.
Saturday, Saturday, Saturday – Praying for Ariel.
John Aderogba for ROPMI