Tags: complaining, gratitude, give thanks to God, Christian attitude, biblical thanksgiving
Why do people complain? It’s easy to think we complain because of our problems—because life is hard, people are difficult, or circumstances are unfair. But the Bible teaches us something deeper: the real root of complaining isn’t the presence of problems—it’s the absence of gratitude. When we fail to give thanks, especially to God, we open the door for murmuring, bitterness, and a joyless life. In this blog post, we’ll discover what the Scriptures say about the sin of complaining and how cultivating a thankful heart is God’s cure for a spirit of discontent.
1. Complaining Begins Where Gratitude Ends
Let’s begin by looking at a revealing passage in the Old Testament. After God miraculously delivered Israel from Egypt, parted the Red Sea, and fed them with manna from Heaven, what did they do?
“And the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? ... But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes.” (Numbers 11:4,6 KJV)
The Israelites weren’t complaining because God hadn’t provided—they were complaining because they stopped being thankful for what God had already done.
Ingratitude blinds us. When we forget God's past faithfulness, we begin to exaggerate our present troubles. A grateful heart sees God's hand even in the small provisions. A complaining heart, however, only sees what's missing.
2. Complaining Is a Sign of Rebellion Against God
Complaining is not a small sin. In the Bible, it’s not just a bad attitude—it’s rebellion against God Himself.
“Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.” (1 Corinthians 10:10 KJV)
This verse reminds us that murmuring or complaining was one of the sins that led to Israel’s judgment in the wilderness. When we complain, we are ultimately saying, “God, You’re not doing enough,” or “God, You made a mistake.”
It’s easy to say we trust God when things go our way. But our trust is truly tested in moments of discomfort, delay, or disappointment. Complaining puts us at odds with the will of God, while gratitude aligns our hearts with His purposes.
3. The Example of Jesus: Gratitude in All Things
Consider Jesus, our perfect example. Even in the face of the cross, He did not murmur or complain. Instead, He gave thanks.
“And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Matthew 26:27–28 KJV)
At the Last Supper, knowing He would soon be betrayed, beaten, and crucified, Jesus still gave thanks. Why? Because He saw the Father’s greater purpose beyond the pain. Gratitude allowed Him to walk through suffering without complaint.
We are called to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5), and that includes having a heart of gratitude even when circumstances are not ideal.
4. Gratitude Turns Trials Into Testimonies
The Bible commands us to give thanks—not just when we feel like it, but in all things.
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)
This doesn’t mean we are thankful for evil or suffering, but that we can be thankful in the midst of it. Why? Because God is still working. He is still in control. And every trial is an opportunity for Him to reveal His glory.
When Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison, they didn’t sit in their cell complaining. Instead, they praised God.
“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” (Acts 16:25 KJV)
Their gratitude turned a prison into a platform. God sent an earthquake, and the jailer and his household were saved. Your praise can turn a problem into a miracle.
5. Gratitude Guards Our Hearts and Minds
Gratitude is not only right—it’s powerful. It keeps our hearts from bitterness, envy, and despair. When we focus on what we lack, we feel empty. But when we give thanks for what we have, our hearts are filled with peace.
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7 KJV)
Notice that peace doesn’t come just from praying—but from praying with thanksgiving. Gratitude is a shield against anxiety and fear.
6. Teach Your Soul to Give Thanks
Giving thanks is a discipline. It doesn’t always come naturally—especially in hard times. That’s why the psalmist said:
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” (Psalm 103:2 KJV)
We must teach our soul to remember, to reflect, and to rejoice. One practical way to do this is by keeping a gratitude journal. Every day, write down three things you’re thankful for—especially things God has done. Over time, this habit will rewire your perspective.
Gratitude isn’t just about good manners. It’s a spiritual weapon. It destroys pride, discontent, and doubt. It opens our eyes to God’s blessings that we might otherwise overlook.
7. From Complaining to Contentment
Paul learned this secret:
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Philippians 4:11 KJV)
Contentment isn’t found in having everything—it’s found in giving thanks for everything. The more we thank God, the less room we have to complain.
When we adopt a grateful heart, we become a testimony to the world. In a culture addicted to outrage and negativity, a spirit of gratitude shines like a light.
“Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” (Philippians 2:14–15 KJV)
Gratitude is not just for Thanksgiving Day—it’s for every day. And when we give thanks to God, we draw closer to His heart.
Conclusion
The next time you’re tempted to complain, pause and reflect: is the problem really the circumstance, or is it a lack of gratitude?
Complaining doesn’t fix anything—but gratitude changes everything. When we thank God even in trials, we invite His presence, His peace, and His power into our situation.
So let us take to heart the words of the psalmist:
“O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psalm 107:1 KJV)
Gratitude is more than a feeling—it’s a choice. A habit. A lifestyle. And when we live a life of thanksgiving, we reflect the heart of our Savior and honor the God who has given us everything.
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