Learning When and How To Say No

One of the important life skills for people to develop is the ability to discern when to say no.  It is easy to flow along with the crowd and get caught up in a situation without having fully thought through the impact that choices might have on the wellbeing of ourselves and others.  Thoughtful decisions draw heavily on the values that we hold.  Being involved in reflection and conversation about values at home, at school, in workplaces, in community and in church groups helps people to grow their ability to be more discerning and intentionally guided by values in their decision making. Mental rehearsal of the ways in which we can say no in various settings can also help us to successfully negotiate situations where peer pressure might be greatest.  Rehearsing these conversations with parents and trusted mentors can add that extra level of confidence to resist when faced with choices that could lead to more negative outcomes.

God gives us guidance through the many stories in the Bible and encourages us to grow in wisdom in our decision-making.  The good news is that God’s love and forgiveness is there when we fall short of what God would have us be. Being sorry for our mistakes and poor choices and asking for God’s forgiveness and help, we can step forward each day, renewed by His grace, free to learn and grow as we go.