How well do you get along with the people on your team? How well do you get along with the coaching staff? How well do you get along with your family? Our relationships with people are a lifelong set of joys, challenges, grief and love.

After Jesus spoke of loving God as the greatest commandment, He said this in Matthew 22:39, “The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Second only to loving God is Jesus’ command to love people as we love ourselves. That’s a tall order!! To love anyone that strongly is a powerful thing. It’s also rather rare.

Do this today... Express real love toward your teammates through unselfish play. Show love for your coaches through respect. Show love to your fans and the officials through honorable actions and speech. The power of this kind of love transforms people and makes for the best relationships.

Give it all you have today. Pursue the victory with your last drop of energy. Play with enthusiasm and vision. Be a champion.