In 2002, a reporter asked Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Curt Schilling if he was angry with Barry Bonds. Schilling admitted, “We had a falling out,” but added, “When I became a Christian back in 1997, I lost the ability to hate anybody.” Clearly, God had changed his heart.

Grudges are common in sports, especially when rivalries become personal. NBA stars Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas experienced that during the bitter Lakers-Pistons rivalry of the late 1980s. After more than 25 years of animosity, accusations, and hurt, they finally reconciled. Johnson told Thomas, “Let me apologize to you if I hurt you—that we haven’t been together.” Thomas replied, “I’ll always be here for you.”

Genesis 33, 35 – Restoring Relationships

God also changed hearts in Genesis 33. After years of separation and hostility, “Esau ran to meet Jacob and embrace him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept” (Genesis 33:4). The Lord had changed Jacob as well. Their reunion is a beautiful picture of reconciliation. Fear and resentment gave way to forgiveness and restoration. Jacob even told Esau, “I have seen your face, and it is like seeing God’s face” (33:10). God had been at work in both brothers, preparing their hearts for this moment.

Proverbs 18:19 reminds us, “A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.” Jacob had spent much of his life scheming, manipulating circumstances, and relying on his own resources. But in Genesis 35, we see him renewing his commitment to the Lord and returning to the God who had faithfully kept His covenant promises.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete understand that changed behavior begins with a changed heart. They regularly renew their commitment to the Lord, trust His promises, and allow His truth to shape how they respond to conflict, disappointment, and broken relationships in sports and in life.