Say “No” with a Smile—Two2Grow, July 6
Say “No” with a Smile—Two2Grow, July 6
"I will not take so much as a single thread or sandal thong from what belongs to you. Otherwise you might say, ‘I am the one who made Abram rich.’” Genesis 14:23 NLT
In Bible college, I had a teacher who asked the whole class to look at the person next to them, smile, and say, "No." He said one of the most important skills a leader can learn is how to say no with a smile.
While serving as missionaries in Africa, we were often in desperate need of money. One time, someone contacted us and asked for our bank account information so they could send us a gift. Emelie and I prayed about it, and we sensed God telling us to say no—with a smiley face (it was an email).
The reason was that we knew the gift came with strings attached—expectations we didn't want to be controlled by. We had learned from previous experiences that what looks like generosity can sometimes be an invitation into a power game, where the giver uses their gifts to gain influence or control.
There are times to say "yes" and times to say "no" to gifts. It's important to pray about everything and not assume that every open door or opportunity is from God.
Abraham is the father of faith, and we learn from him how to walk with God. He refused the gifts offered by the king because he knew accepting them would diminish the glory that belonged to God alone.
Saying "no" is sometimes very difficult, especially when you genuinely need what is being offered. It takes faith to trust God enough to decline something that seems like the answer. But remember: nothing you sacrifice for the Lord is ever wasted. In His time, He will bless your obedience in ways that far outweigh what you gave up.
Father, help me discern which gifts are from You and which are temptations. Give me the wisdom and courage to say no with a smile and to trust You with the outcome.
Pastor Mikael Stenhammar, PhD
In Bible college, I had a teacher who asked the whole class to look at the person next to them, smile, and say, "No." He said one of the most important skills a leader can learn is how to say no with a smile.
While serving as missionaries in Africa, we were often in desperate need of money. One time, someone contacted us and asked for our bank account information so they could send us a gift. Emelie and I prayed about it, and we sensed God telling us to say no—with a smiley face (it was an email).
The reason was that we knew the gift came with strings attached—expectations we didn't want to be controlled by. We had learned from previous experiences that what looks like generosity can sometimes be an invitation into a power game, where the giver uses their gifts to gain influence or control.
There are times to say "yes" and times to say "no" to gifts. It's important to pray about everything and not assume that every open door or opportunity is from God.
Abraham is the father of faith, and we learn from him how to walk with God. He refused the gifts offered by the king because he knew accepting them would diminish the glory that belonged to God alone.
Saying "no" is sometimes very difficult, especially when you genuinely need what is being offered. It takes faith to trust God enough to decline something that seems like the answer. But remember: nothing you sacrifice for the Lord is ever wasted. In His time, He will bless your obedience in ways that far outweigh what you gave up.
Father, help me discern which gifts are from You and which are temptations. Give me the wisdom and courage to say no with a smile and to trust You with the outcome.
Pastor Mikael Stenhammar, PhD