Sportsmanship

We don’t always keep our eyes on this goal of good, gracious sportsmanship, but learning to be a good sport is the most important result we need to see from any of our competitive activities. Truthfully, that’s not always foremost in our minds in a competitive situation. One does not grow into a good sport without some good examples reinforced by clear explanations and reminders of what sportsmanship looks like, and why it is important. Sometimes we adults need a reminder that young eyes are watching and listening to us.

One learned behavior is congratulating our opponent for a good game or an effort in any realm—art, music, debate—wherever comparisons are judged. Concealing our angst when things don’t go our way requires the good old biblical skill of putting the interest of someone else above our own. Prayer is the fast track for thinking of other’s feelings before our own. Ask God to help us truly rejoice for someone else even when that means we don’t win. He can help us learn to find pleasure in the doing of a game or art form instead of having to win to feel the joy. God is able to help us rejoice in someone else’s victory. When we can do that, we double our joy. Pray and teach our children to pray for the ability to have fun whether we win or lose. That’s a prayer He likes to hear.