What happens in December?

Singing? Praying? Helping the poor?

Yup. And there’s probably some shopping and scurrying in there too!

But here’s something else: Complaining.

As a pastor, I wish I could say that I never complain about anything. But that’s just not true. One of the reasons this concerns me is because of James 5:9: “Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged.” James is warning against a hurtful and unproductive kind of grumbling directed towards other people.

That’s why, when I feel like grumbling, I try to do it in a healthy way—a way that isn’t unproductive or hurtful toward someone else.

I pray to God about my frustration (which also helps me get it off my chest), ask for his help, sometimes talk to another trusted person confidentially about it, and acknowledge my own sin and imperfection in the process. None of this is ever done in a reactionary way, or in a larger group setting.

As a result, I’m able to express my frustration in a way that is productive and not destructive.

Don’t let the stress of December sour your soul. Deal with your urge to complain in a healthy way.

Be productive—not destructive—with your frustrations.

By Matthew Ruttan

–Stuck for a Christmas gift for someone? Order my book of devotionals called “Up!” in Canada here or in America here. 100% of the profits go to a local anti-trafficking organization called Fight4Freedom.
–Bible quotes are from the NIV.