Knowing When to Say No

Today, I want to talk about something that many of us struggle with—knowing when to say no.

We live in a world that constantly demands our time, energy, and attention. Whether it’s commitments at work, requests from friends, or even responsibilities at church, it’s easy to feel like saying “no” is unkind or unchristian. But the Bible teaches us that wisdom involves knowing when to say yes—and when to say no.

Jesus Himself set an example for us. He didn’t say yes to every request. He withdrew from the crowds to pray (Luke 5:16). He didn’t rush to heal Lazarus right away (John 11:6). He didn’t allow distractions to pull Him away from His mission. Jesus knew that His time and energy were precious, and He prioritized what truly mattered—His Father’s will.

Saying no is not about being selfish; it’s about being obedient. If we say yes to everything, we may end up drained, distracted, and ineffective in what God has actually called us to do. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Protecting our time, energy, and focus allows us to serve God wholeheartedly.

So how do we know when to say no? Here are three things to consider:

1. Does this align with God’s will for my life? If something pulls you away from what God has called you to do, it may be time to say no.

2. Will saying yes cause unnecessary stress or burnout? We are called to serve joyfully, not out of guilt or exhaustion.

3. Am I trying to please people instead of God? Galatians 1:10 warns us not to seek approval from people but from the Lord.

This morning, I encourage you to pray and ask God for wisdom in your decisions. Don’t be afraid to say no when needed. When you prioritize God’s will, you’ll find peace, clarity, and the strength to say yes to the right things.