Finding Love in Sports 

Christians who are coaches and athletes experience significant spiritual growth and transformation, referred to as "fruit" in the Bible. This comparison to fruit-bearing is fitting as these changes reflect the work of God's Spirit within us, producing new behaviors and attitudes. The ultimate goal of this transformation is to bring glory to our Heavenly Father. This transformation is so significant that it is compared to a rebirth, affecting our motivations, curbing sinful habits, and initiating new, righteous ones that will last a lifetime. The Fruit of the Spirit Series explores these changes in more detail through its nine book study series.

Love profoundly impacts Christian athletes and coaches in sports, shaping their character, relationships, and approach to competition. Properly understood, love allows competitors to see their opponents as something more than mere rivals. Instead of seeking personal glory or dwelling on defeat, they approach victories and setbacks with humility and gratitude. Love teaches them to celebrate the achievements of others, to forgive mistakes, and to persevere in the face of challenges.

Authors: Gordon Thiessen served with FCA for nearly 30 years and is the founder of Cross Training Publishing. Rod Handley was the Chief Operating Officers and CFO for FCA before founding Character That Counts.