Pastor Chris’ Corona Quarantine Epistles to the Flock of AIC Ngong Road, in Dispersion and Isolation. 66th. Edition.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In this concluding section, James is revisiting many of the things he has said earlier. Today’s passage (James 5:9) goes back to the issue of the tongue and speech, but with a slightly different perspective from what has already been said: Complaining. The word used here is grumbling. The issue is not the expression of dissatisfaction, disagreement, or displeasure at the actions of others, but rather, the way it is done.
Grumbling is often characterized by Exaggeration. When we are upset, we tend to see things in the negative. We interpret situations in the worst possible ways and misrepresent the intentions of those who have offended us. This is part of the reason we should be “slow to speak” (1:19). We may not be intentionally twisting facts, but that is what often happens. Extension. Angry people often speak to others, who are neither the cause of their displeasure nor part of the solution.
This kind of speech is what we call gossip. It spreads negative perceptions without getting us nearer to a solution. Complaining only earns one Condemnation. We will give an account for every careless word we utter, “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words, you will be condemned,” (Matthew 12:36-37). This should be of concern to us, because “The Judge is standing at the door.” This is a reference to the imminent coming of the Lord, which was mentioned earlier (v. 7). James and the other early Christians expected Jesus to return in their lifetime.
The point of the statement is not diluted by the fact that Jesus has not returned yet. On the contrary, every moment that passes brings the hour of his return closer, and with it a more acute urgency. Imagine the Lord returning while you are in the middle of a conversation, telling a friend who has no business knowing, about another friend you are unhappy about.
As the old chorus goes Gossip, gossip, evil thing, Much unhappiness it brings; If you can’t say something nice, Don’t talk at all is my advice. Zip your lip!
Your Loving Pastor Chris.