“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. … Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:18, 21

>> Sign up here for Sports Spectrum devotionals sent right to your email inbox <<

Many people are already anticipating the NFL season — even fans of losing teams that are hoping for a better year — especially with the Hall of Fame game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Detroit Lions on the horizon July 31. So many things can happen to derail a season before it starts because team unity is fragile. Team leaders are likely already reminding teammates to work together, positively talk about the team, and work out disagreements as quickly as possible. At the moment, most teams may have good team harmony, and the hope is they can keep the peace throughout the season so the team has a chance to be successful. A team divided cannot stand.

Arguments can cause dissension on teams, in families, in friendships, and in the workplace. We see the Bible warn about the consequences of arguing and the importance of unity. On one occasion, Paul and Barnabas argued before they started their second missionary journey. That tells us that everybody argues, but it caused a rift between two good men. Even though Paul and Barnabas continued their ministry, they stopped working together.

Perhaps Paul saw the danger of unnecessary arguments after that or maybe he saw so many arguments in churches. For whatever reason, the Holy Spirit led him to write a lot of Bible verses on the importance of Christians learning to work together in harmony. First, Paul admitted that not everyone will like us, but he encouraged us to do our best to get along with all people. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. … Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:18, 21).

As Paul continued discussing cooperation in several letters, he said unity won’t happen if we’re selfish. Paul yearned for every Christian to be unselfish like Christ and then peace would flow like a river. “Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too” (Philippians 2:2-4, NLT). If we’re full of ourselves, we don’t have room for anybody else.

Paul also reminded us that words need to be chosen carefully. Sometimes we need to take a long walk before we say anything if we’re angry. He used the word “edify” to speak about building up others in the faith whenever we can and trying to avoid harming others (Ephesians 4:29, NASB). As James said in James 1:19, we need to be quicker to listen than we are to speak. And finally, we must learn to forgive. Since we all say and do the wrong thing and sometimes hurt others (whether intentional or not), forgiveness is a necessity. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32).

Let’s be intentional to build others up this week, and see how God can move.

— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him <<

>> Subscribe to Sports Spectrum Magazine for more devotionals and stories where sports and faith connect <<

>> Dive more into God’s Word with Sports Spectrum through the YouVersion Bible App <<

If you would like to submit a devotional, please email all submissions to
devotionals@sportsspectrum.com