READY
“‘This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you.’” — John 15:12
SET
Loving the athletes on my team is something that comes easy. Mind you they are seventh grade girls full of sass and self-doubt. Loving them isn’t hard because when I look at them, I can remember standing in a gym hoping to get a chance to play. I can see myself in their attitudes and giggles; in their struggles to learn the right footwork and their place on the team.
In John 15, Jesus is coaching His disciples on a few last things. In verse 12 and 17 Jesus commands His disciples to love one another. He commands it. You know as a coach when something is commanded, it better be done.
So, in addition to all the aspects of the game we coach, as Christian coaches we are also expected to show our athletes love. We are to show love to the other coaches on our staff. We are to show love to the game officials and athletic directors. We even are to show love to our opponent. Some of these are easy to love – the goofy teenagers and enthusiastic assistant coaches. Some of these are more difficult to love – the AD who always says no and the official who seems to have it out for your post player.
How can you choose to love those you encounter daily? Start by praying for them. Acknowledge them; eye contact, a smile and hello go a long way. Choose to love them by investing in their growth as athletes or coaches. Choose to love them through encouragement. Choose to love them by sharing your faith – what greater love is there than that?
GO
How do you show love to your team? Staff? Administrators?
How seriously do you take the command to love others?
WORKOUT
OVERTIME
"Lord, Thank You for loving us and showing us how to love others. Give me what I need to show love to those I encounter daily. May I be known as a person of love. In Jesus’ name, amen.”