Grievances
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In the context of the Bible, grievances refer to complaints or feelings of resentment over perceived wrongs or injustices. The Scriptures address grievances in various contexts, emphasizing the importance of resolving them in a manner that aligns with God's principles of justice, mercy, and reconciliation.

Old Testament Context

Grievances in the Old Testament often relate to issues of justice and fairness. The Mosaic Law provided guidelines to ensure that grievances were addressed justly. For instance, in Exodus 18:16, Moses explains his role in resolving disputes among the Israelites: "Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God’s statutes and laws." This highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance in resolving grievances.

The prophets frequently addressed grievances, particularly those involving social injustice. In Isaiah 1:17, the prophet calls the people to "learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor; defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow." This underscores the biblical mandate to address grievances, especially those affecting the vulnerable.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles provide further instruction on handling grievances, emphasizing forgiveness and reconciliation. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus outlines a process for addressing grievances within the church: "If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.' If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church."

The apostle Paul also addresses grievances in his epistles. In Ephesians 4:31-32, he writes, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." This passage emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and kindness in resolving grievances.

Principles for Addressing Grievances

1. Seek Reconciliation: The Bible encourages believers to seek reconciliation and peace. In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus instructs, "Therefore if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift."

2. Pursue Justice: Addressing grievances involves pursuing justice, as seen in Micah 6:8: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

3. Practice Forgiveness: Forgiveness is a central theme in resolving grievances. In Colossians 3:13, Paul exhorts believers to "bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

4. Avoid Retaliation: The Bible warns against seeking revenge. Romans 12:19 advises, "Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.'"

5. Seek Wise Counsel: Proverbs 15:22 highlights the value of seeking counsel: "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed." Seeking wise and godly counsel can aid in resolving grievances effectively.

In summary, the Bible provides a comprehensive framework for addressing grievances, emphasizing justice, reconciliation, and forgiveness. Believers are called to handle grievances in a manner that reflects the character of Christ and upholds the principles of God's Word.
Library

Of those who Only Increase their Own or their Brother's Grievances ...
... The Conferences of John Cassian. Chapter XV. Of those who only increase
their own or their brother's grievances by hiding them. ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xv of those who.htm

Appendix iii in the Hampton Court Conference.
... [227] Upon the accession of James 1.in 1603 AD, the Puritans were full of hope that
their grievances against the existing Forms and Ceremonies of Worship would ...
/.../luckock/studies in the book of common prayer/appendix iii in the hampton.htm

The Daily Walk with Others (iii. ).
... A LETTER ON CURATES' GRIEVANCES. I close this chapter with a quotation.
It is a letter written to the Editor of the Record, in the ...
/.../moule/to my younger brethren/chapter vi the daily walk.htm

The Caroline Settlement
... she found herself secure of the recovery of her ancient prerogatives, some of her
ministers should feel but little sympathy for the alleged grievances of those ...
/.../studies in the book of common prayer/chapter iv the caroline settlement.htm

The Transplanting of Congregationalism
... to curb his extravagance by its method of granting him money on condition that he
would make ecclesiastical reforms and grant the redress of other grievances. ...
/.../chapter ii the transplanting of.htm

But Although Patience be a virtue of the Mind...
... But the other manner of patience is that by which the same mind bears any troubles
and grievances whatsoever in the sufferings of the body; not as do foolish ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on patience /8 but although patience be.htm

Appendix V in the Directory.
... The exercise of "the gift of prayer," which was one of the most urgent demands all
through the Presbyterian grievances, was provided for on the most liberal ...
/.../luckock/studies in the book of common prayer/appendix v in the directory.htm

Of Querulousness.
... sound in every corner, it would doubtless be found that the greatest part of them
have some such original: and that whether the pretended grievances be public ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section x of querulousness.htm

Political Parties in Connecticut at the Beginning of the ...
... But the majority of the dissenters, like the Constitutional Reform party of recent
date, preferred redress for their grievances through legislation rather than ...
/.../chapter xiv political parties in.htm

Prayer
... It is offering up our desires to God.' Prayer is not to be made to any but God.
The Papists pray to saints and angels, who know not our grievances. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 6 prayer.htm

Thesaurus
Grievances (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Grievances (1 Occurrence). Colossians 3:13 bearing
with one another and readily forgiving each other, if ...
/g/grievances.htm - 6k

Grievance (7 Occurrences)

/g/grievance.htm - 10k

Judicial (2 Occurrences)
... loved bribes, and followed after rewards," with the result that "the fatherless"
and "the widow" were helpless to have their grievances redressed (Isaiah 1:23 ...
/j/judicial.htm - 25k

Judaeus
... insult. It was little likely that Caligula would heed grievances which included
specifically dissent from worship of himself. Philo ...
/j/judaeus.htm - 29k

Redress (4 Occurrences)
... 6. (n.) A setting right, as of wrong, injury, or oppression; as, the redress of
grievances; hence, relief; remedy; reparation; indemnification. ...
/r/redress.htm - 8k

Philo
... insult. It was little likely that Caligula would heed grievances which included
specifically dissent from worship of himself. Philo ...
/p/philo.htm - 29k

Grieve (29 Occurrences)

/g/grieve.htm - 23k

Absalom (93 Occurrences)
... Full of insinuations and rich in promises, especially to the disgruntled and to
those having grievances, imaginary or real, it was but natural that he should ...
/a/absalom.htm - 50k

Blindness (7 Occurrences)
... loved bribes, and followed after rewards," with the result that "the fatherless"
and "the widow" were helpless to have their grievances redressed (Isaiah 1:23 ...
/b/blindness.htm - 19k

Empire (8 Occurrences)
... conquered peoples. One supreme ruler over all classes raised above personal
ambition could best meet their grievances. The senate ...
/e/empire.htm - 80k

Resources
How can I forgive those who sin against me? | GotQuestions.org

What is forgiveness? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about bitterness? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Grievances (1 Occurrence)

Colossians 3:13
bearing with one another and readily forgiving each other, if any one has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, you also must forgive.
(See NIV)

Subtopics

Grievances

Related Terms

Grief (252 Occurrences)

Yearn (4 Occurrences)

Rue (1 Occurrence)

Condole (1 Occurrence)

Grieved (87 Occurrences)

Mourn (87 Occurrences)

Vigour (8 Occurrences)

Uninformed (4 Occurrences)

Longer (373 Occurrences)

Licentiousness (10 Occurrences)

Languish (13 Occurrences)

Lading (7 Occurrences)

Grieves (5 Occurrences)

Gladdens (3 Occurrences)

Grievances (1 Occurrence)

Whereby (46 Occurrences)

Withstanders (15 Occurrences)

Wail (50 Occurrences)

Ignorant (32 Occurrences)

Injure (16 Occurrences)

Trouble (477 Occurrences)

Teat

Repentance (28 Occurrences)

Richly (26 Occurrences)

Relent (15 Occurrences)

Earn (6 Occurrences)

Deliverance (86 Occurrences)

Depth (22 Occurrences)

Depression (1 Occurrence)

Displeasing (31 Occurrences)

Drawing (60 Occurrences)

Mourns (13 Occurrences)

Prime (3 Occurrences)

Practised (13 Occurrences)

Pain (172 Occurrences)

Pine (28 Occurrences)

Practise (52 Occurrences)

Persecute (48 Occurrences)

Brimful (1 Occurrence)

Showing (41 Occurrences)

Sorrow (277 Occurrences)

Sealed (31 Occurrences)

Sigh (18 Occurrences)

Inflicted (20 Occurrences)

Wouldst (31 Occurrences)

Beginning (187 Occurrences)

Flower (33 Occurrences)

Heaviness (14 Occurrences)

Willingly (27 Occurrences)

Heavy (110 Occurrences)

Tears (58 Occurrences)

Bitterly (36 Occurrences)

Asleep (50 Occurrences)

Pull (32 Occurrences)

Messenger (235 Occurrences)

Fallen (233 Occurrences)

Pluck (41 Occurrences)

Wouldest (66 Occurrences)

Deep (237 Occurrences)

Consume (136 Occurrences)

Suffering (104 Occurrences)

Afflict (55 Occurrences)

Desolate (189 Occurrences)

Festival (62 Occurrences)

Weep (97 Occurrences)

Brethren (528 Occurrences)

Fail (130 Occurrences)

Pierced (63 Occurrences)

Provoke (64 Occurrences)

Inhabitant (54 Occurrences)

Coast (70 Occurrences)

Lord (59401 Occurrences)

Supplication (71 Occurrences)

Calamity (108 Occurrences)

Blind (91 Occurrences)

Hating (95 Occurrences)

Hurt (84 Occurrences)

Hope (291 Occurrences)

Grievance
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