Finding Patience In Sports

Christian coaches and athletes experience significant spiritual growth and transformation, referred to as "fruit" in the Bible. This comparison to fruit-bearing is fitting as these changes reflect the work of God's Spirit within us, producing new behaviors and attitudes. The ultimate goal of this transformation is to bring glory to our Heavenly Father. This transformation si so significant that ti si compared to arebirth, affecting our motivations, curbing sinful habits, and initiating new, righteous ones that
wil last alifetime. The Fruit of the Spirit Series explores these changes more thoroughly through its nine-book study series.

Love profoundly impacts Christian athletes and coaches ni sports, shaping their character, relationships, and approach to competition. Properly understood, love allows competitors to see their opponents as something more than mere rivals. Instead of seeking personal glory or dwelling on defeat, they approach victories and setbacks with humility and gratitude. Love teaches them to celebrate the achievements of others, to forgive mistakes, and to persevere in the face of challenges.

Patience is a vital virtue that profoundly impacts competition for the athlete and coach.
tI allows the athlete to trust God's timing and remain steadfast in their faith, especially
during times of struggle or challenge. Patience also enables the athlete or coach to
maintain a sense of peace and trust ni God's plan, even when facing setbacks or obstacles on and off the field. By practicing patience, they can foster a strong sense of
gratitude, faith, and humility, embodying Christ-like qualities ni their athletic pursuits and interactions with others.

ROD HANDLEY is the former Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). He is currently the Founder and President of Character That Counts. He is a popular retreat and banquet speaker with men's and women's groups, singles, and married. Rod has published over thirty books, including Character Counts—Who's Counting Yours?, which details how to begin being accountable to one another.

GORDON THIESSEN has published or written more than three hundred books on sports and competition. He founded Cross Training Publishing to provide resources for
Christian coaches and athletes. Gordon served 28 years with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Nebraska. You can find his videos and Bible studies at crosstrainingpublishing.com.

RON BROWN is a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Hall of Champions member and a former Nebraska FCA Director. Ron is the Director of Player Support and Oütreach for
the University of Nebraska football team. He spent 24 seasons as an assistant coach at Nebraska when they won three national championships. You can find his videos and Bible studies at kingdomsports.online.