Respect: Soccer Lessons

"Respect our team, the coaches, the other team, the refs and yourselves."

   Right before every game the coaches and the captains meet with the refs. During that time the refs do a little speech. In that speech the refs say to basically be respectful of the fans, refs, the opposing team, and your team. They need to do that because nowadays people have issues respecting just about anyone, even themselves sometimes.

   Thus why I began to say this quote to my team. Was it hard at times? Yes, especially when the other team is swearing at you, the refs are missing blatant calls, or the fans are heckling you. I remember many times I'd have to calm my team down because they'd want to retaliate. But, what does retaliating actually do? It just makes everyone angrier. Then things get out of control and people get hurt.

   Respect is something that I believe is beginning to be lost nowadays. People don't say sorry, excuse me, please, or thank you. People look out only for themselves. People don't respect their elders, police officers, doctors, teachers, and many more jobs that used to have automatic respect. Yes, I know some people in those professions have messed up but that doesn't mean that all people in those professions are bad.

   Romans 12:10 says: "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Respect could also be known as love. Before you say or do something put of anger you need to think. Are you going to show love and respect in what you are about to do? It's okay to have emotions but in acting in them will you regret what you did or hurt someone you love? It's not always easy to respect everyone yet that's what we are called to do. That's how people will see we are different.

   So, are you showing respect to others? What can you do to show respect to someone today?
   Image from here.