God's Coaching #238

God's Coaching #238

It’s the way you dream of winning a game. Georgia’s Dalton Carriker stepped to the plate in extra innings of the 2007 Little League World Series and belted a walk-off home run. The final score was Southeast 3, Japan 2. Dalton’s teammates from Warner Robins, Georgia, mobbed him as he crossed home plate. They hugged and jumped and shouted and celebrated.

But the Japanese players were crushed. On the field, some of them fell to their knees, crying. The Georgia players noticed how distraught the Japanese were and cut their celebration short. They walked over and began hugging their Japanese opponents. It was a classy display of true sportsmanship.

What’s the Score?

The Warner Robins Little League team showed a lot of sportsmanship by consoling the Japanese team. Not only did a lot of players on the team want to show they were good sports, but they also wanted to show how they lived out their faith in God. “I’m a very religious person,” Dalton said. “I go to church and just got to thank the Lord for all he’s given us.”

It’s easy to get caught up in sports rivalries and not live out our faith on the playing field. Sometimes you may even think of the other team as enemies, but they’re not. They’re actually a lot like you. If you were on the same team, you might even be friends. But even if they were enemies, Jesus told us to love them. He said, “Love your enemies! Do good to them” (Luke 6:35). He told us to bless those who hurt us, give more to people who demand from us, and do good to those who hate us. That goes against our human nature. We want to hate our enemies and pay them back. Loving them takes God’s help and strength, but he always gives it to us. Start living out your faith by reaching out with kindness to your opponents.

On the Ball

Make a point of congratulating the other team and players whether you win or lose.

Coach’s Comment

Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. Luke 6:35