I've been thinking about how easy it is for us all to complain nowadays. A little here, a little there. Very carelessly. Without even a second thought. I am guilty myself. And yet, we have all that you can imagine and more-- the blessings literally overflow in abundance. What do we really have to complain about? There is a danger that is overlooked when we carelessly complain and Spurgeon, one of my favorite preachers, puts it like this: "Be careful, dear friends, that you do not misrepresent God yourselves. You who murmur; you who say that God deals hardly with you, you give God an ill character; when you look so melancholy, Worldlings say, “The religion of Jesus is intolerable;” and so you stain the honor of God. " -A Jealous God Sermon, 1853 Complaining is a poison that can spread like gangrene. it doesn't just affect you but all those around you. You are proclaiming from the rooftops that what God has provided for you is just not enough. Instead of complaining, be intent on building up those around you and practice speaking your blessings out loud. YES, out loud! Praise God for all that He has done in your life that you are not worthy of! Thank Him from the bottom of your heart and put on gratefulness. I love this quote about being grateful: "A thankful heart is one of the primary identifying characteristics of a believer. It stands in stark contrast to pride, selfishness, and worry. And it helps fortify the believer’s trust in the Lord and reliance of His provision, even in the toughest times. No matter how choppy the seas become, a believer’s heart is buoyed by constant praise and gratefulness to the Lord." -JM Here are some good verses to help remind you about it: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - 1 Thess. 5:18 "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." - Ephesians 4:29 "Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content." - 1 Tim. 6:6-8 **Prayer** - Dear God, please help us learn to be content and grateful with all that you have done in our lives. Let our perspective be a holy one that desires to bring glory to you and not a worldly one that brings shame to your name. Let us turn from the sin of complaining and instead start sharing your blessings, love and mercy to us so that others might see you through every circumstance--whether easy or hard. Thank you for all that you have done in our lives. In Jesus Name, Amen. Note: This post may contain affiliate links--thanks for your support!