Priest-Martyr Gregory, Bishop of Great Armenia (284-305).
Philippians 2:12-16. Luke 6:24-30.
Read Philippians 2:12-16
“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless.”
Think of a time in your life when you faced some challenging situation, especially one that was caused or exasperated by someone else. This could be something at home or at work or in your social circles. So often we resort to complaining about that person behind their backs or, if we are more confrontational, arguing with them about it.
And what does this accomplish? If we complain behind their backs, we become gossips. If we argue, we become mean-spirited. In either case, we use our tongue to cause harm rather than to heal, just like everyone else. To use Paul’s language, we are just part of the crooked and perverse generation.
Instead, we are called to shine as lights and to rise above these injurious uses of our tongues. Instead of complaining and disputing, we are called to take on the task at hand and carry it out for God’s glory and the salvation of souls. If there are legitimate grievances with others, then we ought to deal with them with reasonableness and maturity with a spirit of patience and mercy. This is the better way, the way that pleases God.