Day 9 — Brave Enough to Say No

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age.”

— Titus 2:11–12 (BSB)

“Come on, just try it.” “Everybody’s doing it.” “Don’t be such a baby.” “If you were really my friend, you would.” “Nobody will ever know.”

Have you ever heard words like that? When someone is pushing you to do something you know is wrong, it can be really hard to say no. You don’t want to be left out. You don’t want your friends to be mad at you. You don’t want to look uncool.

But saying no is one of the bravest things a girl can do.

Paul says God’s grace “instructs us to renounce ungodliness.” To renounce something means to say no to it and turn away from it. God’s grace doesn’t only forgive us. It also teaches us and gives us power to say no to things that would hurt us or dishonor Him.

Saying no might look like:

• “No, I don’t want to watch that.”
• “No, I’m not going to copy her homework.”
• “No, I don’t want to be part of making fun of her.”
• “No, I’m not allowed to go there.”
• “No, that makes me uncomfortable.”

Here are some tips for saying no:

• Decide ahead of time. If you already know your answer, it’s easier to say it when the moment comes.
• Keep it short. You don’t have to give a long explanation. “No, thanks” is enough.
• Say it like you mean it. Look them in the eye and use a clear voice.
• Walk away if you need to. You don’t have to stay and argue.
• Blame your parents if it helps! “My parents would never let me” is a perfectly good answer.
• Find a friend who will say no with you. It’s easier with someone by your side.

A real friend will respect your no. And if someone keeps pressuring you, or asks you to do something unsafe, tell a trusted adult.

Every time you say no to something wrong, you’re saying yes to God.

Think about it: What’s something girls your age feel pressured to do? How could you say no?

Try this: Practice saying no out loud, in front of a mirror or with a parent. Try: “No, thanks. I’m not going to do that.”

Dear God, thank You that Your grace helps me say no to things that are wrong. Give me courage when my friends pressure me. Help me decide ahead of time, say no clearly and walk away when I need to. In Jesus’ name, Amen.