In this devotional, we reflect on James 5:9-10 to explore how grumbling acts like a dye that our souls absorb, eventually changing our spiritual “color” and temperament. We acknowledge that while lighthearted complaining about the weather is common, true grumbling against one another erodes our sanctification and obscures the fact that every person is an image-bearer of God. By looking to the prophets and the saints as our examples, we learn that we can endure suffering and practice patience because our ultimate hope is not tied to this world, but to an eternal home. We conclude that by rejecting the cultural impulse toward constant negativity, we protect our souls and maintain a higher view of our neighbors.

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Well, good morning! It is good to be with you on this wonderful Wednesday morning. It has been cold in Mississippi, as we lamented yesterday, which makes today’s text on grumbling very appropriate for us to reflect on.

I’m excited about the coming days at church—we have our “Wrap Night” for the Birthday Gift for Christ ministry, which is such a wonderful part of our community. We are almost at Christmas, y’all! We’re getting close, and I hope that no matter where you find yourself, you are filled with the grace, joy, and love of this season.

Today, we are looking at the second part of our passage in James: James 5:9-10.

“Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged; see, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.”

The “Food Coloring” of the Soul

There are two fascinating things in this passage regarding patience. First, James tells us: don’t grumble. Grumbling and complaining are interesting habits. Think of it like using food coloring to dye eggs. When you put a hard-boiled egg into that colored water, the egg slowly absorbs the dye. The longer it stays in the water, the more it changes color.

I believe that is exactly what complaining does to us. We absorb the atmosphere we are in. Now, when I joke about the cold weather, it’s a bit of a gimmick for a laugh—even though I really am cold! But in serious matters, I try my best not to complain. I’ve noticed that if I’m in a conversation where there is a lot of grumbling, I try to exit quickly.

Complaining does something to the soul. It changes our mood and our outlook. I learned this during the height of the pandemic; when I was around constant negativity, I simply didn’t feel good. I realized that grumbling isn’t good for my sanctification—it doesn’t help me become a better Christian.

Grumbling vs. Relationship

James warns us not to grumble against one another. Complaining about each other is destructive. If you have an issue with someone, pay them the honor of having a direct conversation with them. That is how relationships are preserved. Don’t bring a third person into the situation just to grumble; it doesn’t help anyone.

Furthermore, constant complaining is dangerous because it lowers our view of others. It strips away their humanity and obscures the Image of God they bear. When we grumble, we stop seeing people as image-bearers for whom Christ died. In a world and a social media environment that thrives on negativity, we must be careful.

The Example of the Prophets

James then points us to the prophets as examples of suffering and patience. If you read Hebrews 11, you see what they endured—they were mocked, beaten, and some were even “sawn in two.” They were faithful to a higher calling because they weren’t looking for a home in this world. They were looking for a country not made with human hands, but eternal in the heavens.

They could bear their suffering with patience because they knew where their hope was located. When we struggle to be patient or faithful, we can look to their example—and to the “saints” in our own lives—who remained faithful even when things didn’t go as they wanted.

Today, let’s watch how our souls feel. Be careful of how you speak about others and the conversations you engage in. We can endure a lot when we have the patience and hope that comes from knowing this world is not our home.

Thanks for being with us today. We will continue our Advent readings tomorrow morning. Have a great rest of your day!