Too often we are guilty of agreeing -- sometimes even volunteering -- to
do something, but then complaining about having to do it. Sometimes we complain
about things that are out of people's control, or everyday annoyances. God's
word is pretty clear about how He feels about complaining or murmuring.
Num. 14:26 "How long will this wicked nation complain
about me? I have heard everything the Israelites have been saying.
28 Now tell them this: 'As surely as I live, I will do to you
the very things I heard you say. I, the Lord, have spoken! 29 You
will all die here in this wilderness! Because you complained against me,
none of you who are twenty years old or older and were counted in the
census. (NLT)
Num. 16:8 Moses also said, "You will know that it was
the LORD when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you
want in the morning, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who
are we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD." (NIV)
Num 17:5 Buds will sprout on the staff belonging to the
man I choose. Then I will finally put an end to this murmuring and complaining
against you. (NLT)
2 Cor. 9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in
his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful
giver. (NIV)
1 Pet. 4:9 Offer hospitality to one another without
grumbling. (NIV)
John 6:42 They said, "Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph,
whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, 'I came down from heaven'?"
43 "Stop grumbling among yourselves," Jesus answered.
44 "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws
him, and I will raise him up at the last day." (NIV)