The Power of Words: No and Yes

One would think that the words “no” and “yes” would be simple enough to understand. Yes the word “no” has been a challenge to the Chinese culture throughout their long history.

I recall being told that the word “no” was used alone only for children. To say “no” to an adult was the rudest possible thing to do. It simply isn’t done—even today. There a dozen different ways to say “no.” The way it is said, and with which words, lets the hearer know you mean, “No but yes,” “No but maybe,” “I don’t know,” and every other nuance you can think of. While in China I asked my guide to explain it to me.

“How do you understand the difference? Help me to understand.”

She was silent for a moment and responded, “I can’t. Even we make mistakes. If it is hard for us to understand, how can I hope to explain it to you?”

Even a “yes” in Chinese culture is complicated, because it can be part of understanding the kind of “no” being transmitted.

It might be easy to say our English-speaking culture is easier, until we remember the phrase of cowboy and Indian movies, “White man speak with forked tongue.” If you were wondering, according to Wikipedia, “white man spoke with a forked tongue” originated as a result of the French tactic of the 1690s, in their war with the Iroquois; they had invited their enemies to attend a Peace Conference, only to slaughter or capture them.

A forked tongue refers to the split tongue, characteristic to many reptiles, including snakes. Interestingly, Milton used this phrase in his famous “Paradise Lost” with regard to the devil. A forked tongue means your “yes”  is not “yes,” and your “no” is not “no.”

Truthfully, in any culture, letting our “yes” be “yes” and our “no” be “no” is hard.

Perhaps that is why Jesus said, “Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.” ([biblegateway passage=”Matthew 5:37″] ESV)

I work up this morning thinking about this, and considering the “Yes” we have in Jesus.

As God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes and no.” For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silvanus and Timothy—did not become “Yes and no”; on the contrary, a final “Yes” has come in Him. For every one of God’s promises is “Yes” in Him. Therefore, the “Amen” is also spoken through Him by us for God’s glory.       (Corinthians 1:18–20 HCSB, emphasis mine)

I hope these verses have taken you by surprise like they have me. Sometimes I can make things so complicated in my mind. Self-condemnation, guilt, wondering why God loves me… and then I am reminded, all of God’s promises are YES in Jesus.

Not some of God’s promises but ALL. God is not saying no to us when He denies us something we have been praying for, rather, He is reminding me to pray based on His promises.

Do I want security for retirement or good health? Perhaps I am lonely; and accusing thoughts are always there to bring you and me down. I pray for a guarantee, or to feel better, for a companion, or find myself wishing I could find some way to go back into the past and change things. But that is not God’s way. He will indeed give a resounding “no” to such prayers.

But God’s promises? ALL of them? YES in Jesus? Think about that. What HAS He promised?

For starters:

“He Himself has said, I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 HCSB)

“You did not choose Me, but I chose you. I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain” (John 15:16 HCSB)

“Because I live, you will live too.” (John 14:19 HCSB)

“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 HCSB)

“And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 HCSB)

“casting all your care on Him, because He cares about you.” (1 Peter 5:7 HCSB)

“Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus,” (Romans 8:1 HCSB)

“Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58 HCSB)

“And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8 HCSB)

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 HCSB)

All of the above and much more are God’s “yes” to me in Jesus. Suddenly, the no’s are no longer so daunting… they are only no. They do not define God’s love for you or me. Oh the wonder of God’s YES to us because of Jesus!

Lord Jesus, thank you that your “Yes” is “Yes” to me, and that I am Yours. May these thoughts hold me fast throughout this day.

More Verses for Meditation: [biblegateway passage=”Matthew 5:37″]; [biblegateway passage=”James 5:12″]; [biblegateway passage=”2 Corinthians 1:17-19″]

Photo of snake by LiquidGhoul – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0