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8 Tips to Nip Complaining in the Bud
1. Replace negative thoughts with thankful ones. Think about good things.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Phil. 4:8
2. Focus on praising God in your thoughts and with songs.
Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. Ps. 115:1
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Ps. 100:1-2
3. Memorize and meditate on Scripture.
I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds. Ps. 77:12
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Ps. 119:11
I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. Ps. 119:99
4. Invite God to use the negative things in your life to help you grow in spiritual maturity, to bless others, and to bring glory to His Name.
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Rom. 5:3-5
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
NOTE – If you are not safe. If you are in an abusive or dangerous situation, these verses don’t mean to just sit there and take abuse if you have the power to leave. We have a responsibility to get somewhere safe and to keep our children safe if there are actions we can take.
5. Avoid negative input from other people (when possible), from media, music, movies, books, etc… and replace the negative input with healthy, wholesome, Christ-honoring input that will feed my soul.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Rom. 12:2
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Col. 3:2
6. Journal about my journey or have an accountability partner.
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Eccl. 4:12
7. Make it a group project at church, in the family, at work, in the neighborhood, with friends, or wherever.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, Heb. 10:24
8. As soon as I mess up, I need to repent and get right back up and invite God to continue to make me more like Jesus.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Added Bonuses When I Stop My Habit of Complaining about Every Little Thing:
- There is more peace in my relationships.
- I have more peace in my own heart and mind.
- I can be closer to the Lord.
- It’s easier for my husband to lead.
- I have a much more powerful witness for Jesus.
- I am more fun to be around for everyone.
- I have more joy.
- I am more attractive to my husband.
- I don’t annoy myself as much.
SHARE
What tips do you have to share to help us all avoid complaining?
What bonuses have you noticed when you cut way back on a complaining spirit?
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Complaining VS Informing – We do need to be able to share important things. Thankfully, we can do that without complaining!
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I Can’t Ask for Things. I Can’t Have Needs, Desires or Emotions. – by Radiant
I Must Avoid Conflict at All Costs. That’s the Godly Thing to Do. – No! Sometimes we do need to engage in conflicts and disagreements. But, thankfully, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we can do that without sinning.
Some Conflict Is Inevitable
I Don’t Want to Lose My Voice, My Power, or My Identity!
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Another Challenge – Let Your Yes Mean Yes and Your No Mean No – Sharing our desires vulnerably
How to Have a Saving Relationship with Jesus:
Of course the foundational thing – before I can do anything good – is I need to have Jesus as my Savior and Lord. I’d like to share the “ABC’s of Salvation.”
I need to:
1. ADMIT I am a sinner and there is nothing I can do to make myself in right relationship with the One true holy God of the universe.
- “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Rom. 3:23
2. BELIEVE that Jesus, God in the flesh, left the glory of heaven, came to this world to live the perfect life I couldn’t live and die the death I deserved for my sin in my place. He conquered sin, death, and the grave on my behalf and was raised on the 3rd day.
- “The wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Rom. 6:23
3. CONFESS that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Lord and give my whole life and everything in my life to Him. He is now in charge not me and I will follow Him for the rest of my life.
- “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Rom. 10:9
- And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. 2 Cor. 5:15
- “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Matt. 7:21
RELATED
How to Have a Saving Relationship with Christ
What Is Lordship Salvation? by www.gotquestions.org
What Is the Gospel? by www.gotquestions.org
Much love!
April, once again, great stuff. Maggie D here, I think I mentioned that I’m 60 but I don’t think I mentioned my “DH”(Darling Husband) is 78. There’s 18 years difference between us. When we met many, many years ago, my “DH” said to me, “You’re not like a lot of women your age”. I wondered what he meant. So I asked.
He meant that I was not (going to perhaps step on toes here) I was not a feminist. I wanted my husband to be the leader, main provider, and have the final say on financial matters. I honored him by being there for him to give anything he needed or wanted. (Things like making sure he was comfortable, extra coffee, a warm fluffy towel after his shower). I stayed home and was the heart of the house.
It’s been almost 40 years and God is the glue that keeps us together in our marriage. We’ve had sickness, health, plenty and want. Trusting in God and not getting stressed out was the key. Now that he’s older and slowing down, I still honor him by caring for him. We grow old together, with God right between us. The sickness and in health is a real issue, it’s not just some pretty nice words you say at your wedding. If you don’t mean them do not get married.
Love these nuggets of wisdom. Thanks for sharing that Maggie!
Maggie,
Thank you so much for sharing a bit of your story. It’s a huge blessing to hear the wisdom you have been learning over 40 years of marriage. May God richly bless you and your husband and your faith in Him.
Much love!