“You don’t even know the word “no””

“you’re too nice”

"can you do this thing for me?"

You’ve probably heard some of these is you’re a person deemed to not knowing the word, “no.” I, myself have heard these statements many times in my life, yet I keep continuing my life with a good ole’ “yes!” Here’s the thing that most people don’t understand: it’s not that I can’t say no, it’s that I WON'T. Yes, you heard it right, folks. I actually choose to say yes. Do I get taken for granted? Do people come to me and ask me to do things for them knowing that my answer will be “yes”? The answer to both of these questions is actually, “yes.” See, I’m not blinded by the positivity and stewardship that comes from doing things for people. I’d be lying if I said that it didn’t hurt from time to time/ But, I'd also be lying if I said this was for my own happiness and satisfaction.

I think that we forget that we, ourselves, aren’t the only individuals that God created. We forget that everyone around us is also man created in the image of God. Just like you and me, that person that sits in the corner alone was made wonderfully and beautifully by God with a plan of his/her own. We need to respect others even if they don’t respect us. See them as God sees them. Love them as God loves. Though not all believe and may be blinded by the fleshly things of this world, we still need to show kindness and the overwhelming love that Christ has for us. Believe me, I have seen this love and have been overwhelmed and one way that I try to spread it is without saying “no.”

Now, of course, there are times where I have been asked to pass boundaries, go on particular dates, go places when I should be studying, and just things that were not God-honoring within themselves. I think the fact that I choose not to say “no” also means that I know when to politely say “no.” Here’s the truth: like I said, I’m not doing this for me, I say “yes” because of God. God is sovereign, and we, as Christ-followers serve the sovereign. I say “yes” to God which means that I also say “yes” to His creation. I am a servant of God and a servant of the people. I want to serve anyone in any way I can. And yes I may complain from time to time, but this is who I am. I am broken and a sinner, I’m poor, selfish, lazy, prideful, and many other things… but I also live to please God. In the midst of all this, God sees me, cares for me, and GOD STILL LOVES ME. God loves all of you too. What’s a better way to love God back than tending to those he loves? There are many other ways that many of you are entitled to, but this is my way, my gift, that the Lord has blessed me with and I intend to use it to my full ability.

And to be clear, this doesn't mean I hate doing things for people. I really love it! It's a gift that the Lord has blessed me with and I plan to use it to my full capability. I just want to be clear where I stand as I have received many questions I have received about my choice in saying, "yes."

Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly – not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.
1 Peter 5:2

but be filled by the Spirit:
speaking to one another
in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,
singing and making music
from your heart to the Lord,
giving thanks always for everything
to God the Father
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
submitting to one another
in the fear of Christ.
Ephesians 5:18b-21