by Shannon Caughey

It’s common practice for coaches to choose a word or two that they want to be the defining characteristic of their team. That word might be “family” or “toughness” or “fearless.” The coach will remind his or her team, “The culture we’re building is all about being a family.” Or “In everything we do, we’re striving for toughness.”

When we respond in faith to Christ, we are made new and brought onto his team. One word that defines Team Jesus is “love.” In this series of devotions, we’re looking at how Colossians speaks to several dimensions of our “newness” in Christ. We have new life and a new perspective. We also “put on the new self” which is “being renewed in knowledge according to the image of [our] Creator” (Col. 3:10). The qualities of our new self are to reflect the Lord (vv. 12-13): “put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another…” The Apostle Paul then says (v. 14), “Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”

Paul is echoing the teaching of Jesus to his followers. In John 13:34-35, just a short time before he will be crucified, Jesus says, “I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Jesus gives a “new command” that is to be the defining characteristic of those on his team. The charge to love one another is not new in the sense of “never been commanded before.” In the Old Testament, God’s people are regularly instructed to love each other (e.g., Leviticus 19:18). Rather, what’s new about Jesus’ command is the standard he sets: “Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.” The love we receive from Christ now determines how we are to love other people.

Coach, since the newness you have through Jesus impacts every part of your life, love is to be the defining characteristic of your coaching. This starts with being secure in Christ’s love for you. More than merely an emotion, love is a commitment to acting for the good of another. Jesus loves you unconditionally and sacrificially. He speaks about his love for you and demonstrates his love for you through all he does. Jesus does not grow weary in loving you and in working for your ultimate good.

Fueled by how Jesus loves you, love your athletes, fellow coaches, and others connected to your program. Love them unconditionally, which means being committed to working for their good regardless of whether they treat you well or can do anything for you. Love them through giving generously and joyfully of your time, energy, and other resources for their sake. Demonstrate your love in how you speak to and about your athletes, fellow coaches, and others. Show the authenticity of your love through your actions. Keep loving them and working for their good even when it’s hard and you’re tempted to take an easier route.

Jesus is clear that every member of his team is to be defined by the new command he gives: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Since Christ has made you new, embrace his new command. Above all as a coach, put on love. As you do so, your impact now and for all eternity will glorify the Lord who loves you.

For reflection: Give thanks to the Lord for his love for you. Consider how specifically you as a coach can love your players, fellow coaches, and others with his love. Ask God to help you grow in love this year.