There are so many life lessons that can be learned from sports. Teamwork, leadership, practice, persistence, and enjoyment are just a few things someone can know. 

But this weekend, I watched some football games that showed me a new insight I had not pondered. The teams battled back and forth in these games for four quarters. In the final minutes, the team trailing made a drive that set them up for a field goal. The kicker came out on the field and lined up, only to miss the game-winning kick.

The winning team ran onto the field in these games, celebrating the missed attempt. They were jumping around, hugging, and high-fiving as if they had done something right. In reality, they were also celebrating the failure of the other team, specifically their kicker. Their victory was the direct result of a mistake.

One quick camera shot revealed the kicker in devastation. One was kneeling, one with his hands over his head covering his face. It was the picture of someone who made a mistake, costing the team. 

Only in sports is it okay to find joy in the failure of others. In life, that person needs prayer, encouragement, support, someone to listen, and forgiveness. Whenever someone makes a mistake, it is time for us to run to them in Jesus’s name, not celebrate their failure.