Its easy to nag and get results - it even feels good to get all that annoyance out your system! But in reality, the results are forced or resented compliance, causing animosity in our relationships. The job gets done but unless change comes from choice it doesn't last.
I've known that for a while so I tend not to nag (At least I try not to! hey I'm not perfect!). I got mad at my hubby for something today (something trivial - isn't that the norm!) and decided not to nag. I had a really miserable day because Barry was blissfully unaware that I was annoyed and so nothing changed!
I prayed and asked God 'Whats that about?? It says in the bible you're better off living in the attic or living in the desert than to live with a nagging wife. I did good not to nag so why should I have to suffer and feel rubbish??" The answer came in a question "Did you really not nag at all?" I suddenly realised that I had been nagging all day TO MYSELF! Its so much worse - not only does it get 'no result' but it causes more damage because the other person is totally unaware your even annoyed!
So, I decided I'm not going to nag, even internally! When I'm annoyed about something, I go straight to God and tell him "God I'm really annoyed about this, its unfair. Can you help them to change. I'm not going to hold on to the annoyance. I'm going to forgive and get on with my day. God, I'm looking forward to seeing the change that only you can make."
It works!! Every time I pray instead of nagging, I get an apology or the change I wanted to see will suddenly happen. Try it! But don't tell your husband the secret - just love him and appreciate the changes :-)
Nagging = resentful/forced compliance
Internal Nagging = No result!
Shut it, Pray, Wait = heartfelt response/lasting change
I've known that for a while so I tend not to nag (At least I try not to! hey I'm not perfect!). I got mad at my hubby for something today (something trivial - isn't that the norm!) and decided not to nag. I had a really miserable day because Barry was blissfully unaware that I was annoyed and so nothing changed!
I prayed and asked God 'Whats that about?? It says in the bible you're better off living in the attic or living in the desert than to live with a nagging wife. I did good not to nag so why should I have to suffer and feel rubbish??" The answer came in a question "Did you really not nag at all?" I suddenly realised that I had been nagging all day TO MYSELF! Its so much worse - not only does it get 'no result' but it causes more damage because the other person is totally unaware your even annoyed!
So, I decided I'm not going to nag, even internally! When I'm annoyed about something, I go straight to God and tell him "God I'm really annoyed about this, its unfair. Can you help them to change. I'm not going to hold on to the annoyance. I'm going to forgive and get on with my day. God, I'm looking forward to seeing the change that only you can make."
It works!! Every time I pray instead of nagging, I get an apology or the change I wanted to see will suddenly happen. Try it! But don't tell your husband the secret - just love him and appreciate the changes :-)
Nagging = resentful/forced compliance
Internal Nagging = No result!
Shut it, Pray, Wait = heartfelt response/lasting change
