One of the things that characterizes a toddler is their newfound ability to say “no.” When they realize they have a voice and that their voice can express their will, they use that ability liberally.

God created each of us with a will and a voice to express that will. We are stewards over the life God has given us and will give an accounting of how we used our time and resources. The ability and willingness to say “no” protects those resources. Therefore, we have not only the right but also the responsibility to use that voice to control our lives.

We give up that right to say no because of misbeliefs.

• We believe Christians don’t have the right to say no.
• We believe that saying no isn’t loving another person.
• We believe that saying no is selfish.
• We believe that we have to put other people above ourselves.
• We believe that wives have to submit to their husbands.
• We believe that we have to say yes to our parents to honor them, even when we are adults.
• We believe that we have to give to anyone who asks us.
• We believe we have to serve without limits.

Those are misbeliefs. We have a right to say no as Christians. Saying no can be the most loving thing to do, especially when it is in the long-term best interest of the other person. It’s okay to act in one’s self-interest. We can care about others while taking care of ourselves, and sometimes that means putting our needs before theirs. Wives can say no to their husbands. Adult children can say no to parents because they have a responsibility to take care of themselves and their own families and are not under the authority of their parents. We need to give generously by choice rather than compulsion. We can serve only to the extent that we can do so and still take care of our other responsibilities.

It is good to say “no” when “no” is what you want and need to say.

By Karla Downing
 

Relationship Devotional Prayer

 
God,

Help me to say “no” when it is the right thing to do. Help me to know that it is my right and responsibility to control what comes into my life and what I do with my time and resources.

Relationship Devotional Challenge

• Say “no” to something you need to say no to.

Scripture Meditation

 
Matthew 5:37

“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one” (NIV).

Romans 14:12

“So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God” (NIV).