Welcome, Parents!
Conversations about faith with teenagers can be unpredictable, but they can also be moments of deep connection. This guide is designed to help you navigate those conversations about Romans 3 with your teen in a way that feels open and approachable. The goal isn’t to come up with the perfect answers or force deep talks—it’s about making space for reflection, questions, and growth at their own pace.
We encourage you to use this guide flexibly. Some teens might want to talk more openly with a trusted adult or family friend, while others might prefer private reflection. Here are a few ways to get creative with the guide:
- Pick just one question to explore, and let the conversation unfold naturally.
- Encourage your teen to journal or draw if they prefer expressing themselves that way.
- If there’s a Jesus Follower your teen looks up to, consider inviting them to join the conversation.
Let your teen take the lead in how and when these reflections happen, and don’t be surprised if the deepest conversations come when you least expect them.
Key Themes from the Sermon
1. We All Make Mistakes (Romans 3:10)
Paul’s message in Romans 3 is simple: nobody’s perfect. We all mess up, and that’s okay. God isn’t waiting for us to be flawless. What matters is being honest about our mistakes and trusting that God will help us move forward.
2. God’s Treasure in Us (2 Corinthians 4:7)
Paul says that we carry God’s love like treasure inside us—even though we’re far from perfect. It’s through our flaws and imperfections that God’s love shines. Instead of hiding our struggles, we can embrace them, knowing that God still calls us valuable.
3. God’s Faithfulness, Even When We Fall (Romans 3:3-4)
Paul reminds us that even when we’re unfaithful, God is still faithful. Our failures don’t change God’s love for us. God’s love and grace are always present, no matter how many times we fall short. Transformation begins when we accept that God’s faithfulness is bigger than our mistakes.
Reflection Questions for Teens
These questions are designed to help teens explore their identity, faith, and the idea of grace in their own lives. Encourage them to reflect privately or engage in conversation—whichever feels more comfortable.
- Sin and Identity: We talked about how sin makes us feel “out of sync” with God and with ourselves. Can you think of a time when you felt out of place, whether with friends, at home, or even in your own skin? How did that make you feel? What do you think God would say to you in those moments?
- Peer Pressure and Judgment: Paul talks about how we sometimes point fingers at others to avoid facing our own mistakes. Have you ever felt pressure to judge someone else, or maybe even judged yourself too harshly? How could practicing grace, both for yourself and others, change how you approach those situations?
- Sharing God’s Love Through Imperfections: Paul says we carry God’s love in “clay jars,” meaning we aren’t perfect, but we still hold something valuable. How do you think God can use your imperfections—like your struggles or weaknesses—to help others? How can you embrace those parts of yourself?
- God’s Grace in Relationships: God’s grace allows us to love ourselves and others more fully. What are some ways you could show grace to someone you find difficult to love? How could showing grace strengthen your relationships with others and with God?
Spiritual Practices for Teens
Here are two spiritual practices—one for private reflection and one for family engagement—that encourage teens to think about their identity and connection to God.
1. Journaling (Private Reflection)
Encourage your teen to use journaling as a way to process their thoughts and emotions. This can be a powerful tool for personal reflection, especially when dealing with issues of identity, mistakes, and grace.
How to Do It:
- Set aside time for quiet reflection. Let your teen choose how often they’d like to journal—whether it’s daily, weekly, or whenever they feel like it.
- Prompt them with these questions to help guide their journaling:
- What’s one mistake I made recently that’s been weighing on me? How can I move forward?
- How can I see God’s love showing up in my life, even through my struggles?
- Where do I need to show grace to myself or others?
This can be a private practice, where your teen has the freedom to explore their thoughts without needing to share them right away.
2. Gratitude Walk (Family or Group Activity)
Taking a walk together as a family or with a close friend/mentor can create a space for casual, meaningful conversations. This practice helps everyone slow down and become aware of God’s presence in everyday life.
How to Do It:
- Take a walk outside together—whether in your neighborhood, a local park, or even in your backyard.
- As you walk, take turns pointing out things you’re grateful for. It could be something you see in nature, a good moment from the week, or a simple observation.
- Afterward, gather together and say a short prayer of thanks: “God, thank you for all the things we noticed today. Help us carry that sense of gratitude and awareness with us throughout the week.”
This practice allows for both conversation and quiet reflection, without the pressure to dive deep into intense topics unless the moment feels right.
Conclusion
The goal here isn’t to force conversations or expect deep reflection all at once. Instead, it’s about creating opportunities for your teen to engage with these questions at their own pace—whether through private reflection or in the company of trusted family and friends. As you guide them in building a “rule of life,” let these moments unfold naturally and remember that every step, no matter how small, is part of the journey.
Additional Reflection Guides:
