God's Coaching #82

God's Coaching #82

Was it a basketball game or a hockey fight? Fans at the March 23, 1993, contest between the New York Knicks and the Phoenix Suns couldn’t decide. But they did witness one of the worst brawls in NBA history. It started with an offensive foul called on Knicks guard Doc Rivers, who had bumped Suns guard Kevin Johnson. Kevin trash-talked Doc a little, and they got into a shoving match. Both teams’ benches had emptied onto the court by the time officials restored order. Moments later, Kevin drove to the basket against Doc and was whistled for an offensive foul. On the next play, as Doc raced down the court for a last-second shot, Kevin decked him with a flagrant forearm. Doc chased down Kevin and punched him, prompting both teams to flood the court again in a wild free-for-all.

As things were settling down, Knicks guard Greg Anthony sprinted onto the court and punched Kevin, restarting the chaos. When the fight finally ended, officials ejected six players, including Greg, Kevin, and Doc. The NBA suspended the three players and levied a total of $160,500 in fines against both teams. Oh, by the way, Phoenix won the game easily, 121–92, in case anyone cared.

What’s the Score?

As Kevin and Doc learned, it can be extremely difficult to avoid retaliating when someone wrongs us. But Romans 12:17-21 clearly teaches that we should “never pay back evil with more evil” (verse 17), but instead we should leave revenge “to the righteous anger of God” (verse 19). God’s anger is always without sin, but ours rarely is. When we get angry because someone has wronged us, it’s easy to want revenge. But God is the ultimate judge of the universe, not us.

God wants us to repay evil with good. If someone wrongs you, try to answer back with kindness in speech and action. It’s certainly not easy, but it’s what we are called to do. Our perfect example of this is Jesus, who didn’t retaliate even when he was unjustly mocked, beaten, and crucified. First Peter 2:23 describes Jesus this way: “He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.” That’s an example we should all strive to follow.

On the Ball

Read Romans 12:17-21, and pray for God to give you a heart that wants to repay evil with good.

Coach’s Comment

Never pay back evil with more evil. Romans 12:17