Follow Me: Honor Sample

Honor the Game

Romans 12:17-18, 1 Peter 2:23, Luke 23:34, Colossians 3:10-13

Playing sports can be intense both physically and emotionally. Sometimes opponents play dirty increasing the chances of injury. Frustration and anger can tempt you to pay them back. But showing strength and playing to win doesn’t have to lead to retaliation. What’s the best way to handle an opponent who plays dirty?

If someone does wrong to you, do not pay him back by doing wrong to him. 
Try to do what everything thinks is right.
Do your best to live in peace with everyone.

                          Romans 12:17-18

Is it possible to live in peace with everyone? We can’t control what others do. We can only control what we do. It’s not always possible to live peacefully with some people because they make it impossible. However, we are expected to do our best by doing what is right. How does avoiding payback show strength? Jesus experienced dirty tactics from his opponents. When they insulted him, he did not retaliate. He trusted God and prayed that God would forgive them. 1 Peter 2:23, Luke 23:34  Why is it necessary to forgive your opponent? Jesus forgives us when we wrong him. Therefore, he wants us to forgive others when they wrong us. Colossians 3:13 How does Jesus help us forgive? When we believe and trust in Jesus, he gives us new life by changing our hearts, minds, and attitudes to become more like his. Colossians 3:10

How does doing what’s right bring honor to the game? When you follow the rules and play clean, you honor the game. When you stand up against dirty tactics, you honor the game. When you choose peace over payback, you honor the game. When you honor the game, you honor God.

PRAY

Heavenly Father, help us bring honor to you by honoring the game. Change our hearts, minds, and attitudes to be more like yours. Help us be strong and play to win without resorting to retaliation. When we are wronged, help us forgive and pursue peace. Amen.