Some of the best theological lessons don’t come from textbooks or a sermon series. Sometimes, they show up on paper slips written by teenagers on a Sunday afternoon.
During one of our recent lessons, the students in our Youth Ministry talked about kindness. Not just the general idea of being nice, but real, intentional acts of love. We asked our students a simple question: “What is one small thing you could do this week to make a difference for someone who needs kindness?”
We handed out pens and paper, expecting a variety of answers. They could write about how hard it is to be kind, or they could list big, impossible goals. But as we collected their thoughts and read through them, a beautiful pattern emerged. Almost every single answer started with the same two powerful words.
“I can.”
They didn’t write, “I might try,” or “I should probably,” or “If I have time.” Instead, they made a clear statement of what they could and would do. It was a real commitment.
Here are a few examples of what our students wrote:
* “I can show that person that I am here for them.”
* “I can help someone at school when they need help understanding the classwork assignment.”
* “I can help someone by sharing peace and encouragement.”
* “I can show acts of kindness throughout the day to those around me.”
* “I can invite them to play games with me.”
* “I can help my parents with household chores without waiting to be asked.”
* “I can give someone a smile and ask them about their day.”
Reading these responses is humbling. The world often tells us what we can’t do. We can’t fix every problem, save the whole world, or be everywhere at once. But our students reminded us how powerful it is to focus on what we can do.
The Theology of “I Can”
Why are these two words so important in our walk with Christ?
When we say, “I can,” we move from being passive to taking action. Faith isn’t just what we believe in our minds; it’s something we show through what we do.
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds” – James 2:18.
The words “I can” reflect the strength we get from the Holy Spirit. We don’t act alone. We do these things because Christ loved us first. When a student says, “I can show peace,” they are sharing God’s peace. When they say, “I can help without being asked,” they are following Jesus’ example of serving others.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the problems in the world. When we see a friend who is hurting, a parent who is stressed, or a classmate who is struggling, we might wonder, “What difference can I make?”
Our youth group’s answer is simple: You can make a difference. You can do something small that matters.
Jesus often showed “I can” in small moments. He stopped to help someone in a crowd. He shared a meal with a tax collector. He washed his friends’ feet. He didn’t wait for the perfect time to do everything. He used every moment to do something good.
Our Challenge for the Week
Our students are on to something here. They didn’t just talk about being kind, instead they chose real actions. They’re ready to invite the someone to play, help with the dishes before being asked, and offer a smile to someone having a tough day.
So, here’s a challenge for everyone reading this. Look at your week ahead. Think of one person at work, at school, in your neighborhood, or in your family who could use some kindness.
Don’t worry about what you can’t fix or finding the perfect words.
Just fill in the blank: “This week, I can…”
If our church teenagers can lead with such boldness and simplicity, we can follow their example. Let’s be “I can” people, sharing Christ’s love through small, intentional acts.