James 5:9
Do not complain, brothers and sisters, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates.
"The coffee's too hot." "There's too much ice in my drink!" "Why is traffic so bad?" "Who left the toilet seat up?" "Why are you so lazy?" Look at him, he gets away with everything!" "Why do you color outside the lines?" "How come you chew so loud?" "The toilet paper roll goes this way, not that way!"
These are all valid comments and questions, some more important than others. Yet sometimes we come across people, a neighbor, churchgoer, or coworker, that seem to question your every move. Often it can be a loved one. While they may mean well, they can become very annoying, even creating a reputation. That reputation can grow when they complain about you or others to other people. It becomes gossip, which is never healthy. Sure we need to watch our bad habits and conscious that we can become annoying, but we are also told not to judge one another. That is left to God. Pope Francis echoed that sentiment last year. Remember patience and kindness are virtues…gossip and pride are not.
