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Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Calming Insults

Why do coaches, commentators, and fans spew insults at officials?  For coaches, maybe it’s a way of making them feel better about a situation or even to get an official to do or act in a way that favors their team.  For commentators, it attracts attention to their broadcast and social media which increases ratings.  For fans, well, they are just fanatics and obviously biased to their team!

The Bible’s Old and New Testaments provides direction on how to handle those who discredit or defame you.  Let’s look at some of the verses that speak to how to handle insults:

Psalm 37: 11: The meek will inherit the land.

Proverbs 12:16:  Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.

Matthew 5:5:  Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Matthew 5:39:  But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.

These verses instruct us on how to handle insults:

Be meek:  be humble, patient, and quiet in nature, especially when provoked by others

Be forgiving: don’t seek revenge or return evil for evil

Be prudent: make wise and sensible decisions

In addition to insults, officiating can also be full of irritations, such as travel issues, players not being properly equipped or dressed, coaches complaining or whining about fouls, fans shouting their displeasure, and even fellow crewmates and officials not being prepared or focused.  If we are foolish, we will respond to these irritations immediately and with regret.  But if we are meek, forgiving, and prudent in our response, the bothersome situations will be better handled leading to a peaceful outcome.

When I look back on my knee-jerk reactions now, I realize I should have just taken a breath.  Fred Durst

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