In boxing, when someone is training, they employ another boxer to get into the ring with them. This is used for training purposes only and is a friendly type of competition. Usually, both fighters have protective headgear, and the emphasis is on technique and not winning.

A sparring partner must be willing to take punches from the contender so that they are ready for their next match.

Here is the thing, no one sets out to be a sparring partner. Everyone sets out to be a champion. But fighters who do not have the skills or have been defeated are reduced to taking punches for money.

No one wants to be a sparring partner – in boxing or life.

No one wants to get beat up over and over again. No one likes taking punches. No one willingly wants to lose for the benefit of another person. This is true physically and metaphorically.

Your spouse, kids, friends, family, co-workers, or Church acquaintances do not like taking one verbal jab after another. It hurts. No one wants to be beaten down repeatedly by fists or words.

The sad part is that there is no winner anyway.