Grumble

"Beloved, do not grumble against one another."
(James 5:9)

In order to understand this word of life better, we should consider the circumstances that brought it about. In the Christian communities to which this letter was directed, problems were cropping up, such as scandalous behavior, discrimination, selfish use of wealth, exploitation of workers, faith expressed more in words than in works, and so on. These created tensions within the community and led to resentment and discord.

"Beloved, do not grumble against one another."

Even in the first century there were situations similar to what we find in our communities today. In fact, the greatest difficulties in living our faith are often not those that come from outside the community, from the world, but those that come from within, from situations arising from the behavior of our fellow members who are not living according to the Christian ideal. These can cause us uneasiness, mistrust and perplexity.

"Beloved, do not grumble against one another."

These contradictions and inconsistencies, which can be more or less serious, are the result of a faith that is not always enlightened and a love for God and neighbor that is not yet perfect. A Christian should not react hastily, however, by being impatient and uncompromising, but rather follow what Jesus taught. He tells us to wait patiently; he asks for understanding and mercy, which will help develop the good seed that was planted in us, as the parable of the weeds illustrates (Mt 13: 24-30; 36-43).

"Beloved, do not grumble against one another."

How then should we live this word of life? It asks us to face a difficult aspect of Christian life. We, too, belong to various communities — the family, the parish, the workplace, the civic community, associations of various kinds — where unfortunately many things may take place that don't seem right to us. It might be a matter of different temperaments, points of view, ways of behavior, and inconsistencies that sadden us and provoke us to react against them.

There will be many opportunities to live this word of life well. Instead of grumbling or passing judgment — as we would be tempted to do — we can be tolerant and understanding. We might even be able to correct others with love. Above all, we can give our Christian witness and respond to the failures of others to love or to live up to their commitments by making a greater effort ourselves, especially by having greater love.

Chiara Lubich