FCA: The Relentless Devotional For CompetitorsSample

The Love Win

Dan Britton (adapted from WisdomWalks Sports)

READY:

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.”–1 Corinthians 13:4 (NIV)

SET:

On June 26, 2010, thousands gathered at a memorial service to honor the life of legendary coach John Wooden who passed from this life to the next. Wooden’s purpose in coaching was not only to make better players, but better people. For him, greatness was found in loving his players. He knew that his #1 job was to love them unconditionally.

That is The Love Win – coaches love players and players love each other. It’s a powerful principle that can transform a team and possibly transform all of sports. If coaches would coach their players like Jesus loved His disciples, sports would be transformed instantly! Once coaches set the standard, it’s the players’ turn to love each other. When you create a culture of love, it replaces distrust, bitterness, envy, anger and jealousy.

Paul defines The Love Win for players: “Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not conceited, does not act improperly, is not selfish, is not provoked, and does not keep a record of wrongs. Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” –1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Players love each other by speaking words of encouragement. They believe the best in each other. They get excited when their teammates succeed. Everyone takes responsibility for their own effort. Putting love in action is a picture of Jesus. Let’s make The Love Win our goal to show the world that sports can be different.

GO:

1. How can a coach love his or her players? How can athletes love their teammates? List out three specific examples for each.
2. How can you make your goal The Love Win? Pray and ask the Lord to show you how love can transform the world of sports. Let Him show you specific ways.

WORKOUT:

I Corinthians 8:1
1 John 2:10
1 Thessalonians 3:12
Philippians 1:9-11

OVERTIME:

“Lord, I am asking for a heart of love so that I can love unconditionally. Teach me how to love others. Amen.”