In our service of sportspeople it is only
natural to focus exclusively on our team, our coaching staff, support staff,
and their families. This is right and good. There are, however, others whom we
encounter that we can influence as well. Among them are the game officials,
administrators, facility personnel, and of particular note today, the
opponents.
Without a worthy opponent, our experiences in
sport are always training or practice. We need our opponents for sport to be at
its best and for sport to provide the tests that are much of its greatest value
to sportspeople. In the Kingdom of God, the proper way to relate to opponents
is to love and respect them. This obviously runs upstream against the general
culture of sport. Let’s consider some ways to build wise and loving relationships
with our sporting opponents.
If your opponent has a chaplain or character
coach, make contact well ahead of the competition to arrange to meet at the
sporting venue or earlier for coffee or just to chat. I have done this many
times over the years and it builds my network of trusted colleagues and
friends.
If you have met coaches from the opposing team
in past years, send an email or SMS message of greeting ahead of the
competition. If you are allowed access to the field or court, seek them out to
speak in the warm up period before things become more intense.
If you know any of the opposing players, seek
them out during the warm up period for a handshake, a hug, and a brief
blessing.
When engaged in any or all of these “against
the grain” moments, be sure to communicate genuine respect, to model Christ-like
love, to bless your opponents, and to pray with them if the opportunity and the
relationship allows. Some of my most rewarding moments in sport have included
emotional, direct communication of love and respect for opposing coaches,
players, and chaplains while standing on a football field or a basketball
field, just moments prior to strong competition.
I would challenge you to widen your vision as
to who you may lovingly serve. As Jesus was asked, “Who then is my neighbor?”
He responded with the story of the good Samaritan. The subject at hand was
which is the greatest commandment. Our opponents are our neighbors. Jesus says the
commandment is to love our neighbors as ourselves. Let’s transform our view of
opponent from enemy to neighbor and thereby model an honorable and loving sport
for those we serve and those who watch them.
Comments