by Kim Avery

Have you ever said ‘yes’ when you really wanted to say ‘no’? Does pressure from others make you uncomfortable? Is resentment building towards certain people in your life? You are not alone.

Most Christian women struggle with boundary issues at some point in their lives. There are two things that you can do today to begin your fight for freedom in this area. First, you can review the Ten Key Principles in Setting Boundaries with this article and audio teaching. (Click here.)

Secondly, you can read below to learn the top ten ways to say ‘no’ firmly and politely, so that you can learn to shed the guilt and resentment and begin to live with joy and intention.

Top Ten Ways to Say ‘No’ Firmly and Politely

• I’m sorry but that won’t fit into my schedule at this time.
• It sounds like a great idea but someone else would be much better suited to the job.
• I know that many people are fine with that, but it isn’t what God is calling me to do.
• This is not the right time (or season of life) for me. I’ll be sure to let you know when that changes.
• I realize I have done that in the past, but I am not able to do it anymore. Please find someone else to ask because I am not going to change my mind.
• If I had known earlier I might have been able to make that work, but it’s just not possible now.
• I really feel like the person who thought of that idea (or caused this problem) would be the person who should take care of it.
• It would be more appropriate for you to take that on yourself.
• I make a point of not discussing personal information with others.

The last answer is the absolute best answer.

• No.

Why? Because it is true, straightforward, and keeps us out of ‘explaining’ mode. The more we explain our ‘no’, the more people come up with reasons why our explanation isn’t good enough. This puts us on the defensive and can ultimately lead to giving in.

You want to live a life pleasing to God and that means your ‘yeses’ and ‘nos’ will only be determined by Him. God has a beautiful life planned for you, begin exercising your ‘no’ muscle today and so you can discover your joy.

What is your preferred way of saying ‘no?’ I hope you will take a minute to share in the comment box below.