Set 

After being cut from the varsity basketball team in my senior year of high school, I still went to the games as a member of the pep band. So, I was present for the first home game of the season for the team of which I would have been a member.

The team beat a bitter rival in a 101-29 rout. The coach decided to play his starters for most of the game, and no one who watched agreed with that decision. Even the local paper was nasty about that fact. Even with a win, it was not a great way to begin the season.

There is nothing wrong with winning or being successful in our pursuits. But there is a right way to do it. Even in victory, we do not need to be merciless with our opponent. One thing the Bible repeatedly warns us about is pride – any pride. James 4:6 says God “resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” If Christ has shown us grace, then we must be willing to show that grace to others.

We may be on a team that beat a bitter rival or have worked hard and successfully reached a goal. Those are great. But we must honor God no matter how victorious we are. We don’t need to be boastful or arrogant.

God has allowed us to play our sport or to succeed in an area we care about. He showed us grace through Jesus on the cross. If He can show grace to us, we can be gracious to one another.