The Power of Yes and No: Living Jesus’s Call
My Word, My Faith
My “yes” or “no” defines who I am. In Matthew 5:33–37, Jesus teaches that my word should be simple and true: “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything more comes from the evil one.” When I say “yes” to Jesus, He shapes me into the person He desires, guiding me away from choices that lead me astray. My personal power lies in these commitments, where I submit to God’s will. I can’t control the world around me, but I can control whether I follow through on my promises—a challenge that requires daily reliance on Him.
Swearing by something other than a clear “yes” or “no” risks self-deception. It’s like promising to meet a friend but hedging with excuses, hoping to shift blame if I fail. Jesus calls me to wake up, think deeply, and face the consequences of my choices—no “fingers crossed” promises. The Pharisees used a hierarchy of oaths to dodge accountability, but Jesus demands honesty. My word reflects my faith, and keeping it glorifies Him.
Beyond My Rights
As a follower of Jesus, I’m called to set aside my obsession with personal rights and see every moment as a chance to show His love (Matthew 5:38–47). This isn’t about pacifism or governing nations but about my active choice to advance God’s kingdom. For example, when a coworker snaps at me, I can demand respect or choose to respond with kindness, reflecting Jesus. It starts with my “yes” to His way.
Loving Without Limits
Jesus challenges me to love everyone—friend or foe—without a hierarchy of affection. The Pharisees agonized over who deserved love, but Jesus says to love even those who harm me. I’ve had enemies who became friends and friends who let me down. Why not love everyone and let God sort it out? This isn’t easy; my pride and self-focus block the Holy Spirit’s power. I need Jesus daily to strip away those barriers and live out His love.
Questions for Reflection
- How seriously do I take my commitments?
- Do others see Jesus in my “yes” and the firmness of my “no”?
- When is saying “no” the most loving choice?
- Do I prioritize my rights or showing Jesus to those around me?
- Do I love some people more than others? How would my life change if I loved everyone equally?
- Who can I start loving today, even if I’ve seen them as an enemy?
Passage for Meditation
“All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” — Matthew 5:37 (NIV)
Prayer
Father, I confess I often love those I like most, missing Your call to love all. Forgive me for denying Your power to change me and others. Help me love those who anger or harm me, to keep advancing Your kingdom even when knocked down. Make me a person of my word, glorifying You with every “yes” and “no.” Amen.
To fully empower letting our yes be yes and no, no, it is best to meditate upon The Cross.
