Ricky Simmons is an example of a college football player who went from the penthouse to the outhouse. In the early 1980s, he was a star receiver for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. After graduating and having a brief pro career, he traded his football life for cocaine. Eventually, he landed in a prison cell and was forgotten by friends and football fans. It wasn’t until he received an envelope from his former coach that his life changed.

“Dear Ricky, I know your parents believed in you. I believe in you. Upon your release, if there’s anything I can do to help you, feel free to contact me. Tom Osborne.”

Simmons said, “I fell to my knees right there in my prison cell and turned my life over to Christ. The fact he took time out of his day to even acknowledge me … I can never repay him for that.” Simmons left prison and became a drug counselor and motivational speaker. Since leaving prison, he meets Osborne weekly to show him that he remains clean and accountable to God for his life.

Philemon – Restored Relationships

Osborne told Simmons he believed in him, a brief positive statement that profoundly impacted Simmons. As Simmons reflected on Osborne’s willingness to forgive and believe in him, he came to understand and respond to God’s love, grace, and mercy. Paul did something similar for Philemon in the shortest of all Paul’s letters, Philemon. Paul also expected good things from Philemon and remained optimistic about his future (1:21).

Paul challenged Philemon to forgive and restore his relationship with his runaway slave, Onesimus. Because Philemon had become a Christian, Paul urged him to accept Onesimus as a brother in Christ rather than merely as a slave. Jesus modeled forgiveness for believers by dying on the cross to forgive our sins. Forgiveness is not optional for Christians. 

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete do their best to maintain healthy relationships with others that reflect the love, grace, and mercy God has shown them.

Bible Memory Verse – “To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure, but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.” Titus 1:15 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute: Working Out Forgiveness

Our featured book this week is Proverbs (The Discerning Athlete) by Ryan Limbaugh. This is a 10-week Bible study for athletes who want to live and lead with God’s wisdom.

Click HERE to review. 

To see our full catalog of over 200 Bible Study Guides and Devotions, click HERE