God's Coaching #62

God's Coaching #62

Other than the magazine’s name and date, there were no words on the cover of the March 3, 1980, edition of Sports Illustrated. No headlines were needed. The simple, full-page photograph of Team USA ice-hockey players celebrating wildly said it all: the United States, vast underdogs, had defeated the mighty Soviet Union in the Winter Olympics. It was the “Miracle on Ice.”

In 1980, the United States and the Soviet Union (now known as Russia) were embroiled in the Cold War, a standoff of world superpowers. The United States and the Soviet Union were bitter enemies—in politics, sports, and anything else possible. So anticipation was sky high when the two nations met in the 1980 Olympic semifinals in Lake Placid, New York. At the time, the Soviets were the world’s premier hockey power, having won the 1976 Olympic gold medal. The Americans, meanwhile, were a bunch of unknown college and amateur players.

Yet somehow, the Americans stunned the Soviets, winning 4–3. The Americans completed their improbable march to the gold medal with a 4–2 win over Finland.

Team USA’s win over the Soviets continues to resonate to this day. In fact, the International Ice Hockey Federation chose that game as the top international hockey story of the century. It wasn’t just a hockey win for the Americans. It was a Cold War victory over a bitter enemy.

What’s the Score?

There’s no doubt about it: beating your enemy feels great. The US team’s gold medal performance in 1980 wouldn’t have held the same charm had it beaten, say, Luxembourg. As humans, we love watching our enemies fail, especially if we can help the cause. But the Bible says this attitude is wrong.

In Matthew 5, Jesus readjusts our thinking by commanding us to love our enemies and to actually pray for them. This is because all people, even those we don’t like, are created in God’s image. If our heavenly Father loves them, we must also. There is no room for hate or bitterness toward others among true followers of Jesus. We must show Christlike love to all people, even those who are hard to love. This, after all, is what Jesus did, even when his enemies hung him on the cross.

On the Ball

Invite someone you haven’t really gotten along with to your house or include that person on your sports team.

Coach’s Comment

You have heard the law that says, “Love your neighbor” and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Matthew 5:43-44