If I Could

On the dry erase message board in the laboratory where I work someone wrote “If I could.”  The phrase was obviously calling for responses, so I wrote, “I would.”

“If I could” assumes that I can’t.  It assumes a lack of ability.

Could, would, and should are helper verbs, also known as modal verbs. Modal verbs are defective verbs without true infinitive forms. They express the subjective mood. Could carries the verbal idea of to be able to. Would carries the verbal idea  of to be willing. Should has no infinitive forms at all but carries the idea of some type of obligation. Yes, English verb conjugation is highly irregular.

The subjective mood expresses possibilities based on the speaker's emotions, opinions, moods, attitudes, personal thoughts, etc.

Christians are indwelled by the Holy Spirit.  We can. When God assigns us tasks, He never asks if we are able to perform them.  He assumes that we are able.  We are able to perform our assigned tasks because of the empowerment we receive from the Holy Spirit who lives within us.  God has ownership of the unlimited resources of the universe.  If we are performing a task assigned by God, we absolutely have whatever is necessary to complete the task.

“For the LORD of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?” Isaiah 14:27. The obviously expected answer is no one.

Ephesians 2:10.