"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:31-32)

I was inspired by Tim Tebow to write this devotional. Your running back fumbles the ball on the four yard line, resulting in a game-ending turn-over. Your goalkeeper misjudges a high shot lobbed at the upper 90 and gives up a game-winning goal in the final minutes of the game. Your 285-pounder is leading by eight points in the final 30 seconds of the match, only to get turned to his back and pinned in a crucial swing match in the dual. 

We've all seen scenarios like these in sports, and unfortunately, we've seen teammates, coaches, and fans alike respond to these simple mistakes with anger, frustration, resentment, and criticism. And we've seen the athletes who committed these mistakes hang their heads with shame and feelings of worthlessness. 

Looking back to the words of Paul in his letter to the Ephesians, we need to remember that the adjectives kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving all share a common thread: compassion for fellow people. That word "fellow" refers not to man or a boy, but those who are with us. In other words, our teammates. 

Sports are often full of the opposite - fans, coaches, and teammates who are unforgiving, bitter, and ugly to one another. They disregard the concept of fellowship and give in to the hatred and anger that fester and grow from these scenarios. 

Sports are a phenomenal way to enable us to teach our athletes that in truly viewing each other as teammates, we are able to view each other as children of God. Just as God is kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, we must also take this approach with our teammates. 

Moment of Kaizen:

• As a player or coach, what situations tend to give you bitter feelings? 
• How can you convert these bitter feelings into positive thoughts? 

Related Passage: "When you forgive this man, I forgive him too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ's authority for your benefit." (2 Corinthians 2:10).

How can this related verse help you in your role as a coach? 

May 16, 2021

This article is a part of a series of Coaches Devotionals that I will be writing over the course of the next year. Please click here if you would like to receive email notifications when a new devotional is published.

Forgiveness is such a powerful tool in sports. Mistakes happen, and when we focus on the negative, we tear down our teammates. Sometimes, it's best to just put your arm around your teammate, offer words of encouragement, and keep moving forward.