When the Spring is Bitter

Understanding the Paradox of Spiritual Inconsistency

Have you ever left a worship service, feeling uplifted and connected, only to encounter a fellow believer immediately turn around and engage in sharp criticism, relentless complaining, or unkind gossip? This inconsistency—sometimes labeled hypocrisy—is perhaps the greatest hurdle to faith for both outsiders and faithful church members alike.

It makes us ask: How can water that is meant to be sweet turn so quickly to bitterness? The Bible gives us surprisingly frank answers.

1. The Power of the Untamed Tongue

The New Testament makes it clear that the tongue is one of the greatest indicators of a person's spiritual maturity, and it’s the hardest thing to control.

The Apostle James compared the tongue to a small fire or a ship's rudder, capable of steering the entire body and causing massive destruction:

“For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (James 3:7-8)

A person who regularly complains or "talks trash" is showing that the work of taming the tongue is still incomplete. The spiritual discipline required to turn the heart toward love, gratitude, and patience has not yet fully taken root. The complaining words are a symptom of a deeper issue—a restless, unsatisfied heart that hasn't fully found its contentment in Christ.

As Jesus said, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). The words we use, whether in prayer or in private conversation, are a direct reflection of what truly fills our hearts.

2. The Ongoing Battle Between Flesh and Spirit

When we see a Christian struggling with negativity, we are witnessing the eternal battle described in Galatians 5. This person is not necessarily a fraud; they are a believer in process. The Bible teaches that even after we commit our lives to Christ, the flesh (our sinful, fallen nature) continues to wage war against the Spirit:

“For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” (Galatians 5:17)

The behaviors we see—gossip, fits of anger, strife, and dissensions—are all listed as “works of the flesh.” The Fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness—is the evidence of the Spirit winning.

The inconsistent person is caught in the middle. They genuinely desire the fruits of the Spirit (which is why they attend church), but they often revert to the easier, habitual works of the flesh (complaining, judging) when they feel pressured, disappointed, or insecure. Sanctification is a lifelong marathon, and some people stumble publicly more than others.

3. The Judgmental Spirit and the "Plank"

Why do people who are religious often become the most judgmental? Jesus addressed this directly in the Sermon on the Mount:

“Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the plank that is in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3)

A judgmental, critical person is often attempting to do two things simultaneously:

1. Self-Justification: By pointing out the flaws in others, they subtly shift focus away from their own sins and shortcomings. Judging others makes them feel, temporarily, like they are standing on higher moral ground.

2. Externalizing Insecurity: The things we criticize most fiercely in others are frequently the very things we are insecure about in ourselves. The judgmental spirit acts as a spiritual defense mechanism to avoid honest self-reflection.

The biblical antidote to the critical spirit is not flawless behavior, but humility and compassion. We are commanded to remove the "plank" (our own large sins and habitual negativity) before attempting to help someone with their "speck."

How Should We Respond?

When we encounter this frustrating inconsistency, our response can either lead to bitterness or growth.

1. Do Not Stumble: Don't let someone else's failure be the reason for your own disillusionment. Your relationship is with God, not with the person who disappoints you. Keep your eyes on Christ, not the imperfect members of His body.

2. Practice Compassion: Remember that the critic is struggling. They are fighting the flesh, perhaps losing badly, and are likely unhappy. Their behavior is often a desperate cry for joy and contentment they haven't found. Pray for them and model the peace they seem to lack.

3. Start With Your Own Heart: Take the plank analogy to heart. Use their criticism as a mirror for your own life. Are you a complainer? Are you quick to judge? The most effective way to address inconsistency in the church is to ensure you are consistently bearing the Fruit of the Spirit in your own daily interactions.

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Ultimately, the church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints. Seeing inconsistency is simply a reminder that everyone is still under construction.