T E A M   U N I T Y

Proverbs 17:9

Have you had to battle gossip on your team?  One player spreading a rumor about another player or poisoning the opinion of his teammates toward the coaches?  How do we deal with this and what results from this kind of behavior?

In the Proverbs at chapter 17 and verse 9 it is written, “He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates intimate friends.”

When a player repeats a story with damaging information among his friends and teammates, the results can be catastrophic.  Even if the story is true, the telling of it can even shatter the relationship of the most intimate friends.  The intent of this kind of speech is invariably selfish and born of jealousy.

The good news in this verse is that when we cover the transgression, when we keep the matter to ourselves and don't spread it around, we're acting with love toward our teammates.  If your desire is to have good relationships with teammates, coaches and family, you will do well to not tell everything that you know.  If you know some damaging information on someone, keep it to yourself.  You'll promote loving relationships on all sides by your silence.

In your prayers today, ask the Lord to help you cover the transgressions of others.  Ask Him to guard your tongue and to keep you from divisive speech.

Bible Reading Plan:

Mark 13:32-37

Psalms 107

II Samuel 1-2