Without "Kvetching..."
Since we finished the book of Colossians, our family decided to read through Philippians. As we read chapter 2 today a verse that I heard often as a child, and have found myself repeating to my children, was in the middle of it. Because we read it from the Complete Jewish Bible they had an interesting word - a Yiddish one - used.
Philippians 2:14
Do everything without kvetching or arguing, (CJB)
As my daughter read the chapter she used the word “grumbling.” This is how I remember learning the verse. “Do everything without grumbling.” Obviously an easy verse for parents to use when their children react to chores or school. How often did I hear, “But God wants you to do everything without grumbling!”
The Passion Translation probably speaks more clearly to adults.
Live a cheerful life, without complaining or division among yourselves. (CJB)
Living a cheerful life is told to us often. Paul taught this concept in many of his letters.
The idea of “without complaining or division” is not as easy. So often we, as adults, argue and then walk away with division. This is something we need to work on.
While living in Israel I learned that you could have a disagreement or argument with someone and still walk away friends. Obviously Paul was trying to teach the church at Philippi the same concept. He wanted them to understand that there should be ways to work together.
I challenge you today to find a way to work together. Try not to let division happen. Try to do things without complaining. Don’t grumble.
Be the piece of the puzzle that brings things together instead of dividing.
The key to this is to LISTEN. LISTEN to one another and follow the Spirit. Let the Holy Spirit bring JOY and when there is JOY, complaining will cease.
Love and blessings,
Rose
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