EquipHer Vol. 9: "The Power of a Simple 'Yes' or 'No'"نموونە

Day 1: The Challenge of Communicating with Clarity

During a recent EquipHer live session on Instagram, Founders Pastor Wendy Perez and Carrie Pasch shared how their journey in business and ministry has often required them to learn the art of saying "No" without guilt. It’s easy to want to please everyone by saying "Yes" to every request, but what happens when our "Yes" isn’t genuine?

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave us clear guidance: “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything beyond this comes from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37). This verse teaches us that our words should align with our true intentions and abilities. When we say "Yes," it should be sincere; when we say "No," it can still carry grace and truth.

Pastor Wendy and Carrie have learned that when people hear a genuine "Yes," they can trust that what we promise will be fulfilled. Similarly, when we say "No," it should be done respectfully. Saying “No” isn’t necessarily about being rigid—it’s about honoring our commitments and safeguarding our well-being.

Let’s take a moment to reflect: how often have we said "Yes" out of fear of saying "No"? Our "Yes" and "No" are expressions of integrity that should honor God and those around us. As James 5:12 reminds us, “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No,’ so that you may not fall under judgment.”

Reflection Questions:

• In what situations do I feel most tempted to say "Yes,” when in fact, it is not genuine?
• How can I invite God to guide my daily communication so that my words are authentic and honor Him and those around me?

Prayer:
Lord, help me to say "Yes" with integrity and "No" with grace. Teach me to communicate clearly and authentically, honoring my commitments and reflecting Your heart in every word I speak. Amen.