The Danger of Complaining

St. Paul tells us, “Do everything without grumbling,” but even the best-intentioned Christians can fall into a toxic habit of constant complaining. It’s true that sometimes, sharing a complaint can help rectify an unjust situation or call attention to something that needs to change. But when you start fixating on the negative things around you and voicing your critiques or grievances about everything in your life, you imprison yourself in your own personal hell.

Today, Fr. Mike encourages us to ask for God’s grace to break free from the habit of complaining.

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[yb]

I too complain too much but this is just a symptom of a bigger problem - being too focused on self. If we stop looking so much at ourselves and our situation and start focusing more on God and on others then we find ourselves complaining less.

[margaretposner]

I started complaining about a specific political party to the point where it took over my life. I constantly posted about how horrible these people were. My dislike for these people consumed my every thought. These people became the enemy. I was turning into a person I disliked. I finally got off social media and stopped watching the news.
God Bless America, the Catholic Church, and Fr. Mike. -

[theamericancristero]

Complaining is something I've been striving to eliminate from my life; Ingratitude is not something to cultivate. Thanks for this video, it'll hopefully help me reach someone close to me.

[epictrooper]

Jesus died on that cross for my sin and yours, yet not once did He complain, not once did He make a bitter remark.

[heathsavage]

I find that when I grumble and complain I also nit-pick at other people's small "failings" or lack of perfection in tasks. I am 60 and learning gratitude every day.

[Cesspit]

I fornicated too much, now I am a fornicator. I lied too much, now I'm a liar, complaining is the same. May the Lord forgive me.

[tatronhox]

sometimes i hesitate to click on these Videos because i exactly know that i have all of the bad habits father mike is talking about. still it is important that we face it and father mike explains it very well.

[lindacross]

I know that I whine and grumble a lot. I have begun to pray for help with this. I feel that I need to overcome this before I do lose my soul.

[mklarson]

People, please. He's not saying people can't complain or that their reasons for complaining aren't valid. Coming from someone who is a habitual complainer, I can tell you the entire point of this is video is to help people discern when maybe they're complaining too much. That sometimes people get so used to complaining they can't stop or they don't even realize they're doing it. That maybe every time you go to complain it's better to stop and ask yourself whether or not what you're about to say even needs to be said. He's not telling people not to complain or vent or be unhappy with different situations going on in their personal lives or out in the world. As he stated in the video, complaining can be good. It's at what point is a person complaining so much that they're never going to find peace or are unable to see what blessings they do have.

[thecatholiccorner]

I needed to hear this because I complain a lot about other people. I'm not a people person and others irritate me easily. I'm trying to strive for patience, kindness, love, and forgiveness for my fellowman. Please pray for me guys that I can be better! ✝️

[breacher]

You have no idea how important this was for me to just watch and hear. I just found out my ex-wife from 2 years ago I’ve never gotten over, is pregnant. The wave of emotions is unthinkable and I spiraled. Barely hanging on and praying, I watched this and see exactly that these unsettled emotions have held onto me and held me back this whole time. I’m hurt but I dwell on it unintentionally. I’m not who I was created to be in totality. I pray for that and pray to face this inevitable sorrow without complaint but acceptance and hope in what He wants, and abandon what I want. Thanks Father, keep spreading his word. And more good books to read (The Great Divorce is immediately on the top of my list).

[lynne]

Holy Spirit, please give your people an attitude of gratitude!!!

[MWSweeting]

This is where my head injury is a blessing. ..

Even y wife says at 36 years old I have a child like mind and attitude and that's cause if my head injury I cannot remember or his too many grudges

It's like the wisdom once said....

For anger observe the day lily...

In the day the Lilly opens to the sun and like the sun and flower you warmed to your anger.

It is night now, time for peace and to relax.

[lost]

I believe I complain too much. I dont realise I'm doing it till its done! Sort of makes sense as it's like holding a grudge or the past which isn't any good for us. So definitely makes sense!

[Threemore]

Father Mike is surely one of the sweetest people on the whole internet.

[SteveAubrey]

Lord, heal my heart to stop complaining. Help me cultivate a heart & mind of gratitude and humility.

[sergiof]

You hit me with this video Father Mike. It was mainly internal complaining that was eating me from the inside. I will need some prayers. Thank you and God bless.

[Jwarrior]

The Israelites kept on complaining against Moses and God, and look where that took them.

[jamilamendes]

I need to hear this. I am still very upset about awful family related things that happened after my dad passed away, that were so unnecessary and disrespectful to his memory. This reminds me to just leave all to God. Thanks Father Mike.

[SAi]

The Lamentation Psalms are some of my current favorites:
Mostly David’s ‘greatest hits’ of complaints -
Psalm 130
‘Out of the depths I cry to you Lord, Lord hear my cry.’