How many times have we done this? I know I have more times than I can count. We ignore that internal nudge, our own discernment, or even the quiet prompting of the Holy Spirit, and still agree to attend, volunteer, help, or commit. Almost immediately afterward, a sense of dread settles in. That tight, uneasy feeling in your stomach often tells the truth that your words did not, and is usually a sign that you were afraid to disappoint someone.
Have we become so accustomed to overcommitting that it feels normal? Do we think of it as disappointing God, or has there been a habit or precedent set that this behavior is acceptable? In Matthew 5:37, Jesus says,Â
“Let your yes be yes and your no be no.”Â
When we say yes to something our heart knows is not right, or when we use small untruths to smooth things over, we create a quiet disconnection. Not because God withdraws from us, but because we step away from honesty. Over time, we reinforce the belief that our thoughts, needs, and limits do not matter, and eventually, resentment, exhaustion, and relational tension surface.
God’s design is different. As Matthew 5:37 reminds us, honesty spoken in love and clear boundaries are not unkind. They are part of faithful living. We can grow in trust that telling the truth with humility honors both God and the people in our lives.
How to Put This into Practice
Practice one small, truthful ‘no’ this week. A simple “I’m not able to commit to that right now” honors both you and the other person.
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/Delmaine Donson
