Ready:
"Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy; it does not boast, it is not proud, It is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
-1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)
Set:
Famous actor and director Peter Ustinov once said, "Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit."
As athletes and coaches in today's athletic scene, we have a love and passion for sports. That love drives us to try to become the best we can possibly be. And, as Christians, that means that we demonstrate love to our teammates, coaches, officials and even opposing players.
In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul does an excellent job of defining what love really is and what it means to love. He tells us the way that we should treat others, no matter what the circumstance. If we have hatred toward somebody for messing up and losing the game or for saying something behind our back, God calls us to forgive and move on.
We all make mistakes, whether on the field or in life, but the way we respond is what makes us stronger. Think of the love that God has for us even during the times that we mess up. He forgives us and continues to love us. God displays true love. He is love! And our goal is to be more like Him.
Go:
1. Are there people on your sports teams, in your family or circle of friends that you need to forgive or ask for their forgiveness?
2. In what areas of your life can you act out love?
3. Is your love made evident among others? How can this be accomplished?
Workout:
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
1 John 3
1 John 4:7-21
Also, listen to the song "I Am Nothing" by Ginny Owens, if you can!