Do you know someone who whines? Are you a whiner? Well, it’s nothing new. We come by it honestly.
Adam whines about Eve: “She’s the one who gave me the forbidden fruit, this wife you gave me, God!” (Genesis 3:12) Sarah yammers to Abraham about Hagar: “Look how she’s treating me, I’m suffering, and it’s all your fault.” (Genesis 16:5) Moses yips about his lack of credentials: “I’m a rotten public speaker, God.” (Exodus 4:10)
In the New Testament, the gripes, large and small do not stop. Even Mary, the mother of Jesus, whines over the shut down of the open bar at the wedding of Cana!
When I deal with whiners, I try to take a good honest look at what the whining is about. It could be that a bit of complaint actually keeps people from being superficial. Sometimes the whiner might have some good insight and advice to give.
To paraphrase Ephesians, “Whine, but do not sin.” Whine and let it go.
Today Canada observes Thanksgiving. This message was adapted from “Your Inner Whiner” written by Christa von Zychlin that first appeared in the April 2008 issue of Lutheran Woman Today (now Gather) magazine.If you are reading “Daily Grace” online, sign up to receive it by email daily.