Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:Grudging refers to a reluctant or resentful attitude towards giving or forgiving. It is characterized by a lack of willingness or enthusiasm, often accompanied by a sense of bitterness or resentment. In the biblical context, grudging is seen as contrary to the spirit of generosity and forgiveness that God desires from His people.
Biblical References:1.
2 Corinthians 9:7 : "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver."
This verse highlights the importance of giving willingly and joyfully, rather than grudgingly. The apostle Paul emphasizes that God values the attitude of the heart in giving, encouraging believers to give freely and without reluctance.
2.
James 5:9 : "Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. The Judge is standing at the door."
Here, James warns against holding grudges or grumbling against others. Such attitudes can lead to judgment, as they are contrary to the love and unity that should characterize the Christian community.
3.
Proverbs 23:6-7 : "Do not eat the bread of a stingy man, and do not crave his delicacies; for he is keeping track, inwardly counting the cost. 'Eat and drink,' he says to you, but his heart is not with you."
This passage warns against associating with those who give grudgingly. The stingy man may offer food, but his heart is not sincere, reflecting a grudging spirit that is not aligned with true generosity.
Theological Implications:Grudging is seen as a hindrance to spiritual growth and community harmony. It reflects a heart that is not fully surrendered to God's will, as it clings to selfishness and resentment. The Bible consistently calls believers to a higher standard of love and generosity, urging them to give and forgive freely, as God has done for them.
Practical Application:Believers are encouraged to examine their hearts and attitudes towards giving and forgiving. They should strive to cultivate a spirit of generosity and grace, reflecting the character of Christ. This involves letting go of grudges and embracing a lifestyle of cheerful giving and sincere forgiveness.
Related Concepts:·
Generosity: The opposite of grudging, characterized by a willingness to give freely and joyfully.
·
Forgiveness: Letting go of resentment and offering pardon, even when it is difficult.
·
Contentment: Finding satisfaction in God's provision, which helps prevent grudging attitudes.
Conclusion:While grudging is a natural human tendency, the Bible calls believers to rise above it, embracing a life marked by generosity and forgiveness. By doing so, they reflect the heart of God and foster a community of love and unity.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Grudge.
Greek
1112. goggusmos -- a muttering, murmuring...grudging, murmuring. From gogguzo; a grumbling --
grudging, murmuring. see GREEK
gogguzo. (gongusmos) -- 2 Occurrences. (gongusmou) -- 1 Occurrence.
...2431. hilaros -- cheerful
... Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: hilaros Phonetic Spelling: (hil-ar-os')
Short Definition: joyous, cheerful Definition: joyous, cheerful, notgrudging...
Library
Luther's Fourth Preface
... neither do ye kindle fires on my altars for naught." But where there is such an
idle andgrudging heart there can be no singing, or at least no singing of any...
Christmas Peace
... man for ever and ever; and that to the Man Christ Jesus all power is given in heaven
and earth: and then, if you want aught, instead ofgrudging or grinding...
Concerning Things done in Illumination.
... Divine Blessedness is always in the same condition and manner, unfolding the beneficent
rays of its own light upon all the intellectual visions withoutgrudging...
Rom. I. 8
... and words, and to render thanks not only for their own, but also for others'
well-doings: which also maketh the soul pure from envy andgrudging, and draweth...
Creation and the Fall
... appeared." [6] For God is good"or rather, of all goodness He is Fountainhead, and
it is impossible for one who is good to be mean orgrudging about anything....
The True Gentleman
... Paul says, they were all split up by heresies, that is, by divisions, party spirit,
envying, andgrudging in the very Church of God, and at the very Table of...
1 Cor. Iii. 18, 19
... Be notgrudging about thy Master's good, but distribute them among thy fellow-servants;
and neither be thou elated with these things as if they were thine own...
Prayer and Missions
... He who enters his closet to God, will also open his purse to God. But perfunctory,
grudging, assessment-giving kills the very spirit of prayer....
Five Books in Reply to Marcion.
... After the Evil One's impiety. Profound, and his life-grudging mind, entrapped....
What so life-grudging [1382] cause impedes, or else....
Eighth Tractate. The Soul's Descent into Body.
... have, too, a power apt to administration in this lower sphere; they may be compared
to the light attached upwards to the sun, but notgrudging its presidency...
Thesaurus
Grudging (3 Occurrences)... & vb. n.) of Grudge. Multi-Version Concordance
Grudging (3 Occurrences). Philippians
2:14 Be ever on your guard against a
grudging and contentious spirit, (WEY)
...Grudge (11 Occurrences)
... brethren," the Revised Version (British and American) "murmur not"; goggusmos,
"a murmuring" (compare John 7:12; Acts 6:1), is rendered "grudging" (1 Peter 4:9...
Envy (56 Occurrences)
... another's excellence or good fortune, accompanied with some degree of hatred and
a desire to possess equal advantages; maliciousgrudging; -- usually followed...
Grudgingly (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In agrudging manner. Multi-Version
Concordance Grudgingly (2 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 9:5 I...
Grumbling (13 Occurrences)
... Philippians 2:14 Be ever on your guard against agrudging and contentious spirit,
(See NAS RSV). 1 Peter 4:9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling....
Envious (16 Occurrences)
... envy; -- said of a person, disposition, feeling, act, etc.; jealously pained by
the excellence or good fortune of another; maliciouslygrudging; -- followed by...
Contentious (13 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Philippians 2:14 Be ever on your
guard against agrudging and contentious spirit, (WEY)....
Poor (276 Occurrences)
... (2) Liberality to the poor is specially enjoined (Deuteronomy 15:7 f), and they
were to beware of self-deception andgrudging in this (Deuteronomy 15:9, 10)....
Guard (185 Occurrences)
... ASV NAS RSV NIV). Philippians 2:14 Be ever on your guard against agrudging
and contentious spirit, (WEY). Philippians 4:7 And the...
Second (2060 Occurrences)
...Grudging and compulsory benevolence is a contradiction, but God loveth and rewardeth
a cheerful giver. This grace blesseth him that gives and him that takes....
Resources
What is the flesh? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about giving to the poor? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does God want me to do? | GotQuestions.orgGrudging: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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