For years, Bill Buckner, the Major League Baseball great, was persecuted by fans who verbally abused him for a crucial error in the 1986 World Series. His MLB career covered over 21 seasons, with over 2,700 hits; he won the 1980 batting title and was an All-Star with the Chicago Cubs. He even finished in the top 25 of MVP voting four times in his career. Yet, fans forever reminded him of the lowest point of his distinguished career when he made a crucial error in the World Series.

During the 1986 World Series, with the Red Sox leading the series three games to 2 and holding a 5-4 lead, the team had a chance to finally win the World Series after years of coming up short. Buckner scooped down to pick up a ground ball to field it for the final out, which would preserve a chance for a Red Sox series victory when he let the ball go through his legs. That led to the Met’s winning the game and eventually the World Series with a Game 7 victory. Boston fans verbally abused him and his family for many years until he was finally forgiven by some media and fans in 1990.

1 Peter 1 – Christ’s Perspective

Verbal persecution is common in sports when athletes or teams fail to meet expectations or make mistakes. The Apostle Peter provides advice for all believers in his letters to those who were experiencing violent persecution. Once Christians lost their legal protection in the early church, they became the target of Roman oppression. Peter’s message was meant not only to comfort the persecution but to prepare them for even more severe abuses that were to come. He provides hope for those who want a sense of peace and even joy when facing adverse circumstances. When athletes or coaches suffer, only Christ’s perspective can replace resentment and hardness of heart with humility.

 The Kingdom Coach and Athlete ask God to make them more like Christ when facing persecution and suffering. Only a relationship with Christ provides the hope that can see beyond unfavorable circumstances.