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"Do not grumble against one another..."

Text: James 5:9

A NATURAL RESPONSE

A natural human response when one is victimised is to grumble. James however warned against this.

“Do not grumble against one another,
brethren, lest you be condemned.
Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!”
James 5:9

1. “Do not grumble against one another”

a) This would be in line with what James had taught (James 3).

b) Grumbling could well lead to sinning with the tongue.

c) The word “grumbling” has the following nuances: –

i) Murmuring

ii) Groaning

iii) Complaining

2. “Brethren”

a) James urged his readers to remember what it means to be “brethren”.

b) There is much to be said about being “brethren” in the Lord.

i) We are meant to be a spiritual family.

ii) We are meant to regard each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.

3. “Lest you be condemned”

a) The rich would be condemned.

i) For bullying the poor.

ii) For defrauding their employees.

iii) For not caring for their brethren.

b) But the poor could also be condemned.

i) If they resorted to the abuse of the tongue, railing against the rich.

ii) Bad words could be mouthed against the employers.

iii) Wrong and unlawful activities against the rich would also be condemned.

4. “Behold, the Judge is standing at the door”

a) It takes faith to comprehend this.

b) It takes patience and maturity to trust in the Divine Judge when He comes and administers justice!