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GRUDGE NOT
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22
James 5:9

Leviticus 19:17-18

 

“Thou shalt not avenge,
nor bear any grudge against

the children of thy people…”

 

GRUDGE NOT
 
To grudge or complain is to groan within oneself or to sigh. It describes a bitter, resentful spirit that manifests itself in one’s relationships with others. James gives the command of prohibition not to engage with this. He then gives a simple but powerful motive for avoiding such bitter complaining: that they may not be condemned on Christ’s return.
 
Lest ye be condemned: The Apostle has been describing the lives of the persecuted believers which are full of distress due to the oppression and exploitation of the wicked. He urges them to be mindful of how they treat one another. They are not to sin against one another, for God will judge. The word “condemned” (James 5:9) is a legal, technical term for pronouncing a sentence or judgment on the guilty. We understand that there is no more condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom 8:1). However, if Christians wilfully sin against one another, they will receive chastisement from the Lord (1 Cor 11:32).
 
For the Judge is coming: James reminds his readers that the Judge is “before the door” (James 5:9), able to enter the door any time. It highlights His nearness, and His knowledge of the grudges that come from their mouths. The Judge who will punish the wicked and reward the good is at hand. The certainty and nearness of Christ’s return as Judge should establish their hearts to obey God and do what is right. Jesus will return to judge the world, including the wicked. Believers must not be part of the condemned. Stay with God and look forward to His holy place in the Kingdom where sin molests the saints no more.
 
Fretfulness and discontent expressed by our murmurings, envy, groanings and grudgings against one another invite God’s judgment upon us. Instead of receiving blessings, we will receive God’s chastisements. When we are under a tormenting situation, let us go to our Lord in prayer to seek His help and comfort. Read what our Lord Jesus says in Luke 18:7-8. The question is: Do you pray? Or do you grudge?
 
THOUGHT: Am I grudging against a brother or sister-in-Christ?

PRAYER: Father, forgive my sins of grudging and resentment.

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