The Weight of Our Word: Living with 'Yes' and 'No'

Brothers and sisters, if there’s one thing the Spirit has been nudging me toward lately, it’s something foundational—something that affects every missionary discussion, every time we share our testimony, and every time we simply talk to a neighbor. It’s about the weight of our word.

We all know the sacred nature of keeping our covenants. We've studied the scriptures, we've been taught in the MTC, and we know that our words should reflect the covenants we’ve made with Heavenly Father. But what happens when the pressure is on? When we feel the need to *prove* we are telling the truth?

I was recently pondering a passage from Matthew 5, and it really struck me how much weight Jesus placed on this. He wasn't just correcting a minor legal point; he was addressing the *spirit* of the law. He taught us that the very act of having to swear an oath—by heaven, by the earth, by one's head—shows a weakness in our own character. It implies that our word isn't inherently enough.

Let's dive into the teaching:

What was so profound about that teaching? That instead of needing to swear, we should just let our yes be yes, and our no be no? It’s a radical call to integrity. It’s a call to live so openly and so guided by the Spirit that our truth doesn't need backup oaths.

The Power of Intent Over Tradition

The context is rich, isn't it? Jesus was dealing with leaders who were keeping the *letter* of the law but completely missing the *intent* and the *spirit*. They were twisting oaths to cover everything. It’s a powerful reminder for us as we become Internet missionaries today. We can be so focused on having the perfect doctrinal answer—the perfect quote from the Book of Mormon, the perfect scripture reference—that we forget the core message: simply being Christlike.

Our goal isn't to win debates by citing obscure passages; it's to let the Spirit testify. It’s about having enough weight in our character—through consistent discipleship, through our service, through our willingness to keep our covenants daily—that our testimony stands on its own.

This concept of letting our 'yes' be yes is a perfect skill to practice, whether you are preparing for your own mission, serving as a returned missionary, or simply trying to navigate a difficult conversation with a friend who is questioning the plan of salvation. It means being thoughtful in our preparation, being humble in our delivery, and being unwavering in our conviction.

A Small Skill for Our Next Mission Prep

If you are currently in mission preparation, or if you are feeling the call to deepen your discipleship right now, I want to leave you with a small skill. Before any significant discussion—whether it's a missionary discussion, a family talk, or a leadership meeting—take five minutes to review your core testimonies. Don't just read them; *feel* them. Ask yourself: "If I had to state this truth right now, without any supporting scriptures, what is the simple, powerful declaration I can make?"

This builds the internal muscle memory of conviction. It roots the truth in your heart, not just in your notes.

Where to Deepen This Study

This kind of deep dive into scripture is exactly what we do best in our community. If you are looking for a place to wrestle with these kinds of profound teachings, I highly recommend checking out the Book Club feature in HolyPlaces. We have some wonderful groups studying the Gospels right now. Or, if you prefer a more structured, one-on-one approach to tough questions, don't forget about Davee. He is phenomenal at walking you through the hard questions an investigator might ask about oaths or covenants, helping you craft an answer that is both doctrinally sound and deeply empathetic.

Remember, we are called to be disciples everywhere, all the time. Let our lives be the clearest testament to our words.

Stay diligent, and keep the Spirit close.