No Complaints

I often think about how easier life would be if we didn't make things more difficult for each other. You'd think that, at least in the church, everyone would follow God and work together, but that's not always the case. Sometimes the church seems to have almost as much strife as the rest of society. There's bickering, gossiping, animosity, and churches splitting apart. This is not what God intended!

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.... And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil to any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men (1 Thessalonians 5:11-15).

God wants us to watch our tongues, because ill spoken words can cut deep, and they delight the devil. We shouldn't get in a habit of complaining or condemning. If we have Christ in our lives, what do we have to complain about? Instead we should work to build up and encourage. It's all too easy to become selfish and worry about personal needs being met. This is what breaks up many churches and many marriages.

By turning to God and trying to follow His Word and His will, we can avoid all this. In the process, we will find more satisfaction and joy than we ever thought possible. This is truly a peace that passes all understanding, because it's not contingent on any circumstances.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understand, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

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