For me, dismissing or suspending a team member was the last resort and always emotionally painful for everyone involved. Sooner or later, you are going to run into an athlete who will make you wonder why you wanted to coach.

However, the joy that follows an athlete who truly repents or reforms his bad behavior and is restored as a team member is fantastic. When you give the problem player a chance, it might be the only chance they have.

Luke 15 – Relentless Grace 

The parables in Luke 15 remind us that all people matter to God, and their salvation should matter to us, too. The parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin teach us about God’s love for sinners, and the joy repentance brings Him. The parable of the prodigal son further shows us that no sin is so big that it can keep us from God’s grace.  

Today’s reading in Luke 15 includes three more parables that reveal essential lessons about Jesus’ relationship with us and how we’re supposed to live in response to Him. Each parable describes the joy that comes when a sinner repents.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete search for ways to share God’s love and grace with each member of the team. They don’t let ego get in the way of dealing with problem athletes. While it takes wisdom to dismiss or suspend an athlete, the Kingdom Coach and Athlete don’t give up on players because they know heaven rejoices when people turn to God through faith in Jesus.

Bible Memory Verse – “I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” Luke 15:7 LSB

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Click Here to review the Kingdom Sports Study on Toughness (The Total Athlete Series—Book 1).

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