God's Coaching #118

God's Coaching #118

Brooks Laich was stunned. The Washington Capitals’ veteran center couldn’t believe the season was over—not this quickly. With a 54-15-13 record, the Capitals had entered the 2010 play-offs as a favorite to win the franchise’s first Stanley Cup. In the first round of the play-offs, they took a commanding three-games-to-one lead against the Montreal Canadiens. Then everything fell apart. Washington dropped three straight games, including a 2–1 heartbreaker at home in game seven. The season was done.

Brooks could have retreated into a self-absorbed cocoon of sadness and self-pity. Instead, in a heartwarming display of kindness, he reached out to others. While driving home after the season-ending loss, he noticed a mother and her teenage daughter stranded with a flat tire. Many cars drove past. Brooks pulled over. Still in his postgame dress clothes, Brooks changed the greasy tire. The women, who had attended the Capitals’ game that night, were thrilled that a millionaire NHL star would perform such a kind act. When he was done, Brooks hugged the ladies and drove off, leaving a lasting memory.

What’s the Score?

Like Brooks, we should watch for ways to show kindness to others, even if it means going out of our way or doing it when we don’t want to. There’s never a bad time to be kind. Colossians 3:12 says we are to wear kindness like clothing. That doesn’t mean being kind is always easy. We might have to inconvenience ourselves to help someone. But kindness isn’t worth much if it doesn’t cost us something.

Other times we may think certain people don’t deserve our kindness. Maybe someone said or did something nasty to you. It’s tough to be kind to those people. But the Bible commands us to love everyone, not just those who treat us well.

The ultimate expert on kindness was Jesus. He showed love and compassion to everyone—children, adults, rich, poor, sick, and healthy. He even showed kindness to his enemies, asking his heavenly Father to forgive those who mocked him while he hung on the cross for their sins. To be like Jesus, we must show kindness to others.

On the Ball

Surprise someone with one of the following acts of kindness this week:

1. Offer to do yard work for a neighbor.

2. Bake cookies for a friend.

3. Give some of your old toys to a kid less fortunate than you.

4. Write a note of appreciation to someone.

5. Tell your family how much you love them.

Coach’s Comment

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12