Sports: Biblical Truths for Competitors

By B&H Editorial Staff

When Only the Truth Will Do

Faced with real-life tests—whether to our reason or our reserves—we more easily doubt than believe, more quickly despair than trust.
But often our tentativeness to stand on the Word of God is less a lack of courage and more a lack of knowledge. We know what we’ve heard; we know what we’ve been told. But what’s the truth? What does the Bible really say? What can we grab onto by faith and never let go?
This book is an entire collection of biblical truth that deals with a specific area of life—a specific need, a specific topic, a specific place where questions have always seemed more prevalent than answers. But as each page attests, the Scripture will always provide a firm place to dig in and defend. Be sure of what’s true, and you’ll feel a lot more sure of the next step.
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: BH Publishing Group
• Release date: Aug 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781535917773

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Copyright © 2018 by B&H Publishing Group

All Rights Reserved

Printed in the United States of America

978-1-5359-1776-6

Published by B&H Publishing Group

Nashville, Tennessee

Dewey Decimal Classification: 242.5

Subject Heading: DEVOTIONAL LITERATURE \ BIBLE—INSPIRATION \ MEDITATIONS \ PRAYERS

All Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

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Sports are one of the greatest connectors in our world today. It’s one of the things that we can all be a part of. No matter what team you belong to, there is always a shared comradery for the appreciation of the sport you follow. It’s one of the places people can learn the deepest of life-lessons. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or just a fan, you’ve probably come to know that sports have more weight than just competition. They also can hold a great deal of the biblical truths we try to apply in our daily lives.

Many athletes will tell you of great moments during their athletic careers. They may mention a touchdown, a winning shot, or a play that made the difference between a win and a loss. There will be other moments, however, that hold just as high a significance: a loss, a moment of failure, a missed shot, or a bad call. Others may not mention either. They may mention the wise words from a coach, a squabble that had been left on the field, or a lesson learned while training. Whatever the occasion, athletes always seem to hold onto those moments within their own personal highlight reel. Allow the Scriptures to show the deeper meaning hiding behind the sports we’ve come to know and love.

There is nothing worse than losing a game you knew you were going to win. Ask an athlete, coach, or fan. They will most likely be able to point to a moment where they experienced rage most have never seen. We’ve all seen coaches scream, athletes throw equipment, or fans hit furniture. There’s a reason they call it an upset, after all. Most of us agree that we shouldn’t act like that, but somehow it happens. Anger is something that is going to pop up from time to time. It’s a reaction, but it is not something we should let stay, or worse, allow it to grow.

Refrain from anger and give up your rage;

do not be agitated—it can only bring harm.

Psalm 37:8

A patient person shows great understanding,

but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness.

Proverbs 14:29

A gentle answer turns away anger,

but a harsh word stirs up wrath.

Proverbs 15:1

But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister, will be subject to the court. Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to hellfire.

Matthew 5:22

Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger, and don’t give the devil an opportunity.

Ephesians 4:26–27

Lord, I am angry. I expected something to happen one way and it