TITLE: THE IMPORTANCE OF SAYING NO - ESTABLISHING BOUNDARIES
The bible verses for today’s devotional are: i. Romans 12:2 ii. Matthew 5:37 (NIV)
- "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."
- All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'
Devotional:
Have you ever found yourself saying "yes" to something just because you didn’t want to disappoint someone, even though you really wanted to say "no"? Maybe it was an invitation to go somewhere you didn’t want to go, or a request to do something that didn’t sit right with you. Learning to say "no" is tough, but it is essential for establishing healthy boundaries in your life.
Saying "no" is not about being selfish, it’s about knowing your limits and protecting your well-being. Jesus teaches us in Matthew to let our "yes" be yes and our "no" be no. This means being clear and honest about our commitments and limits. It is a way of respecting ourselves and others by being genuine and straightforward.
Think about Jesus during His ministry. Despite the enormous demands on His time, He often withdrew to lonely places to pray and rest. He knew the importance of setting boundaries to stay connected to His Father and to recharge. If Jesus, the Son of God, needed to set boundaries, how much more do we?
Consider the story of Moses in Exodus. Moses was trying to do everything for the Israelites by himself, and he was exhausted. His father-in-law, Jethro, saw this and advised him to delegate responsibilities. By saying "no" to some tasks, Moses was able to lead more effectively and maintain his strength.
Establishing boundaries also helps us maintain our integrity. When we say "yes" to everything, we risk overcommitting and not being able to fulfil our promises. This can lead to stress, burnout, and disappointment. Saying "no" when necessary allows us to focus on what truly matters and be more present and effective in the things we say "yes" to.
Here are a few reflective questions:
- What are some situations where I find it difficult to say "no"? Why do I think that is?
- How do I feel when I say "yes" to something I don’t really want to do?
- What are some benefits I’ve experienced when I've set healthy boundaries?
- How can I practise saying "no" in a respectful and loving way this week?
Let us pray:
Dear God, thank you for the wisdom to know my limits and the courage to say "no" when needed. Help me to establish healthy boundaries that honour You and protect my well-being. Teach me to be clear and honest in my commitments, and guide me to make choices that reflect Your love and truth. Amen.
Please say these words of affirmation. Say them, mean them, own them and live them
I will not allow myself to be pressured to say yes when I truly need to say no.
I establish boundaries that honour God and protect my well-being.
This week, identify one area where you need to establish a boundary. Practice saying "no" in a respectful and loving way. Reflect on how this decision impacts your stress levels and sense of well-being. Share your experience with a friend or family member, and encourage each other to maintain healthy boundaries.
Do have a pleasant day. Take good care of yourself and see you tomorrow.
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