Qadree Ollison is a running back for the Atlanta Falcons, but that’s not what makes him special. He lost his older brother, Lerowne Harris, who was shot and killed at 35 by Denzel Lewis. Ollison stands out for how he responded to the killer. “When I heard what happened, I was devastated, as most would be. During that time, though, I didn’t feel an ounce of hate for whoever had done it.” In his letter to Lewis, Ollison wrote that God gives him the ability to forgive through tears. “Every single life is precious, no matter what they’ve done. I truly believe that God hand-crafted and molded each one of us and gave us this life. We are all his children. We are all sons, and we are all daughters. Now, here I am, and I have this choice to hate you or not. I choose not to.” 

Judges 15-16 – God’s Faithfulness

Ollison’s example of choosing forgiveness over hatred and revenge in response to his brother’s murder is how Samson should have responded when his wife’s father gave her to another man. Instead, he exacted revenge and killed one thousand Philistine men with the jawbone of a donkey. Later, Samson fell in love with a woman named Delilah, whom Philistine leaders bribed to uncover the secret of his strength so they could capture him. When she shaved off his braids, the Spirit left him, and he lost the true source of his power—God Himself. 

While God was dishonored by Samson’s sinful behavior, He still honored the calling He had given Samson. God is faithful even when we are not. However weak and confused we might be, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13).

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete never say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you” (Proverbs 20:22). They let God avenge so they don’t fall into sin.