Living Without a Spirit of Grumbling or Complaining

We live in a culture that often rewards criticism, complaint, and negativity. Consumers are very quick to provide negative reviews of products, businesses, and even churches when they have a disappointing experience. Many companies and organizations, both public and private, have resorted to hiring expert consultants in public relations to manage all forms of negative publicity.

What exacerbates the problem is how contagious the spirit of grumbling and complaining can be. How often do you find yourself starting to complain about the weather, the traffic, the local professional sports team, or the government because you read or heard someone else complain about it on TV or on social media? 

But for followers of Christ, there is a higher calling — to show gratitude, humility, trust, and love. Our words reveal what is in our hearts, and a complaining spirit not only undermines our relationship with God but also has real consequences on our mental, spiritual, and even physical health.

1. The Spiritual Cost of Grumbling

Scripture is very clear on this point: a grumbling spirit is not something to be taken lightly.

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.” Philippians 2:14–15 (NIV)

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 (NIV)

Grumbling often shows up when pride, comparison, or bitterness has taken root. The Israelites in Exodus and Numbers grumbled repeatedly, even though God was providing for them miraculously. Their complaints betrayed their lack of trust in God’s goodness and care. (See Numbers 14:27 — God heard their complaints.)

As believers, we are called to a different standard: humility, trust, and a life that reflects God’s character even in hardship.

2. The Health Impact of Complaining

Complaining isn’t just a spiritual or relational issue; science shows it also affects our mental and physical health in significant ways.

One recent study worth noting is “Loneliness, Complaining and Professional Burnout of Medical Personnel of Psychiatric Wards during COVID-19 Pandemic — Cross-Sectional Study” published in PubMed.

• The study surveyed about 265 medical staff (doctors, nurses, paramedics, caregivers) working in psychiatric wards during the COVID pandemic. It found that loneliness and complaining were significant predictors of exhaustion (a core component of burnout).

• Complaining, together with loneliness and lack of managerial support, also predicted disengagement from work.

Other research has shown that frequent negativity or complaining can lead to elevated stress hormone levels (like cortisol), impaired immune function, increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and even mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Science Times World Economic Forum

So spiritually, complaining undermines faith; physically and mentally, it undermines well-being. However, we can choose to think and act differently to reverse the ill-effects.

3. Choosing a Path of Gratitude and Humility

Since Scripture and science both warn us of the dangers of grumbling, what are healthy alternatives that align with God’s will? Gratitude is repeatedly portrayed as a remedy. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Even in hardship, Paul writes from prison, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” Philippians 4:4

Guarding our speech is also vital. Ephesians 4:29 says: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.”

Practically, this looks like pausing before speaking, looking for what we can thank God for instead of complaining, and choosing words that encourage others rather than breed negativity.

As we reflect on a recent Thanksgiving message on the healed leper who returned to give thanks to Jesus (Luke 17), he was healed spiritually as well. Gratitude can be just as contagious when we express appreciation and thanksgiving in the midst of challenges, others around us will gain hope and positivity too.

4. Walk in the Spirit – Be a Light

When we surrender to the Holy Spirit, the fruit He produces works against a grumbling spirit. Galatians 5:22–23 lists the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Complaints don’t coexist well with these; gratitude, kindness, and peace do.

“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

When our lives are marked by humility, gratitude, love, and trust, even hardships become a testimony of God’s sustaining grace. We become beacons of light and hope to a world accustomed to complaint and cynicism.

Let this be more than a concept. Let this be a transformation in how you live each day.

Call to Action

• The next time you feel like complaining, stop. Pray. Thank God for 3 things in that situation.
• Monitor your words: is what you’re about to say building up or tearing down?
• Reflect nightly: were there moments you grumbled? What could you have said instead?

Let’s be a people marked not by grumbling, but by thankfulness, humility, and the brightness of Christ in our lives!