Why Nagging Never Works

CURRENT TEACHING SERIES 40 Days of Love

Why Nagging Never Works By Rick Warren — Jul 16, 2015 “A wise, mature person is known for his understanding. The more pleasant his words, the more persuasive he is.” (Proverbs 16:21 TEV) Have you noticed how many difficult people there are in the world? Do you feel like you have to deal with most of them some days? You know what rude acts bug me the most? People who call me and then say, “Who is this?” People who honk their horns in traffic jams. People who cheat in the 10-items-or-less grocery line. People who steal your parking spot. The list goes on, and I’m sure you can relate. So, how should we respond in love to difficult people? Proverbs 16:21 says, “A wise, mature person is known for his understanding. The more pleasant his words, the more persuasive he is” (TEV). The more pleasant you are, the more persuasive you are. And, you’re never persuasive when you’re abrasive. Nagging doesn’t work. The way you say something determines the way it’s received. If you say something offensively, it’s going to be received defensively. That’s why love is all about your words. Love is truthful, but it is also tactful. Tact and tone always go together. It matters the way you say something, not just what you say. You can say something very difficult for someone to hear, but if you say it in the right tone — a loving tone — it will be received much better. A loving response to a difficult person requires you to be pleasant and tactful. If you want to be below that difficult person, attack him. If you want to be even with him, get even with him. But if you want to respond the way Jesus would, show that person love with the words you say and the way you say them. PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick >> Talk It Over Can you think of a time when you had to walk away from someone to keep from saying something rude or hurtful? How do you think God wants you to respond in those situations? Who do you use nagging with to try to get your way? What has been the effect? Do you want to be known as a wise, mature, and understanding person? What will you have to change about the way you talk to people? Our Gift: 40 Days of Love Study Kit Most people want to be closer to God and experience more fulfilling relationships. Jesus gave us the keys to accomplish this when he taught us that of all God's commands only two are most important: Love God with all your heart and love your neighbors as yoursef. This sounds so easy, but we struggle in this area. That's why Pastor Rick developed the 40 Days of Love Study Kit. This unigue tool will equip you to fulfill the two greatest commandments. And, as you learn to live a love powered life you will grow closer to God and others. You'll become more like Jesus! LEARN MORE Complete Audio Series (Purchase) Includes all complete sermons from the Rick Warren 40 Days of Love teaching series. LEARN MORE Series Summary Message 1: Love Matters Most Message 2: ​​Love Is Patient, Love Is Kind Message 3: ​​Love Speaks the Truth Message 4: ​​Love Is Forgiving Message 5: ​​Love Isn't Selfish Message 6: The ​Habits of a Loving Heart PLAY TODAY'S BROADCAST

Pastor Rick Warren

Enjoy today's Devotional? Listen instantly to the full radio message at Daily Hope Radio. Did someone forward this devotional to you? Subscribe to Pastor Rick Warren's Daily Devotional. This devotional is based on the current Daily Hope radio series at rickwarren.org. Rick Warren has helped people live with hope and on purpose for more than 40 years. He’s the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California and author of several books, including "The Purpose Driven Church" and "The Purpose Driven Life," read by more than 100 million people in 137 languages. He created the PEACE Plan (plant churches of reconciliation, equip servant leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, educate the next generation), which is used by churches in 196 countries. His radio teaching and daily devotional, Daily Hope, is offered across America. This devotional © 2015 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission. You can unsubscribe at any time by changing your e-mail preferences. Update your preferences  |  Unsubscribe