Making Peace With Saying No!Sýnishorn

Rethink Saying No!

Jesus showed us how to say No, lovingly and purposefully in his response to Martha (Luke 10:41-42). Following His example, we can say No, lovingly and purposefully. How? By doing 3 things:

+ Know and align with God’s priorities. Use God’s Word as the filter through which you live and act. God clearly identifies His priorities in the Bible. Show your love for Him through your obedience to align yourself with what He says. This alignment enables you to more confidently assess the appropriateness of a request.

+ Know your purpose. God created and engifted you purposefully. Know your purpose and what is most important for you to do now with your resources. Will accepting this new request derail higher priorities you are committed to? This knowledge enables you to state your availability, capacity, and/or willingness to accept this new request more objectively.

+ Protect your purpose. Act to safeguard your purpose. If the request doesn’t align with your purpose, permit yourself to say No when needed. There are numerous ways you can say No purposefully and kindly. Also, remember that your No is a defender of your existing priorities and commitments.

You don’t have to dread or fear saying No. God hasn't given us the spirit of fear. God has given us a spirit “of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control] (2 Timothy 1:7, AMP).”

You can say No when you need to. You can do this by aligning your acts with God’s priorities and protecting your purpose. Who you are and how you steward your resources (time, talents, etc.) matter! Others need you to be so they can become.

Congratulations on completing this plan! If you want more support in speaking powerfully, please visit Dr. Foster's website to learn about her online course, Saying No! Without Guilt.

Much success to you in glorifying God as you fulfill your purpose!