Sportsmanship is an important virtue for Christians to cultivate. The Bible does not directly address sportsmanship, as modern sports did not exist at the time it was written. However, the Bible does provide principles that relate to good sportsmanship. Here is an overview of a Christian perspective on sportsmanship:
Play Fairly and Honor the Rules
The Bible emphasizes playing fairly and honoring rules and authorities. “Do not move the ancient boundary stone set up by your ancestors” (Proverbs 22:28). This verse prohibits cheating by moving boundary markers in order to steal land. While it specifically addresses property rights, the principle applies to respecting any agreed-upon rules and not cheating. Christians should compete by the rules and not try to unfairly gain an advantage (Romans 13:1-7).
Have Self-Control
A lack of self-control and discipline dishonors God. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air” (1 Corinthians 9:24-26). Christians should exercise discipline and self-control when competing.
Treat Opponents with Respect
The Bible instructs believers to love others, including opponents or enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). Competition should not promote hatred or disrespect. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). While sports often pits opponents against each other, Christians should still treat competitors with honor and dignity.
Have a Good Attitude in Victory and Defeat
Showing grace and humility in both winning and losing displays Christlike character. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). These qualities should be evident even under the pressure of competition. Don’t be arrogant in winning or bitter in losing. Congratulate opponents graciously when you win and accept defeat humbly if you lose.
Avoid Unhealthy Aggression and Violence
The Bible condemns harmful aggression and violence against others. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (Ephesians 4:31). While sports often involve intense exertion and striving, Christians should avoid seeking to harm or dominate opponents in unhealthy ways. Competition should not be an outlet for sinful anger and rage.
Maintain Integrity and Ethical Conduct
Christians must avoid unethical conduct like cheating or intentionally hurting others. “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out” (Proverbs 10:9). Dishonesty and lack of integrity have no place in Christian living or in competition. Play by the rules and maintain ethical conduct.
Keep a Balanced Perspective
Be careful not to idolize sports or make them a source of pride. “Do not love the world or anything in the world…For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world” (1 John 2:15-16). While sports can be good in moderation, be wary of making them ultimate pursuits in life.
Represent Christ Well
Christians represent Christ in all areas of life. “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17). Glorify God in competition by displaying Christlike character. Be a witness for Christ through your integrity, conduct and attitude.
Good Sportsmanship Displays Spiritual Fruits
Sportsmanship provides a great opportunity to display the spiritual fruits that the Holy Spirit produces in believers, like “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Engaging in competition with biblical values reflects well on the transforming work of Christ.
Motivations Are Important
Why someone chooses to participate in sports makes a big difference. Competing for the glory of God, the enjoyment of the game, the benefits of exercise, and the joy of camaraderie are all good motivations. But be wary of unhealthy motivations like prideful ambition, love of money, or unhealthy aggression.
Pursue Excellence with God’s Help
Christians should pursue excellence in sports and life with God’s help. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). But remember that your worth and identity is in Christ, not sports. Give your best with His enablement.
Use Talents Thankfully
View athletic gifts and abilities as unearned talents from God to develop for His glory. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). Cultivate and employ talents thankfully to honor Him.
Glorify God, Not Self
Be motivated by glorifying God, not elevating self. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Keep God at the center of your sports participation for the right perspective.
Good Stewardship Develops Gifts
Stewarding athletic gifts and interests is important. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24). Responsibly develop your physical gifts as a stewardship.
Exercise Self-Control
Playing sports competitively requires high levels of self-control. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25a). Train diligently and exercise self-discipline.
Right Motives Matter
God cares about why we do things more than what we do. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Participate in sports guided by the right heart motivations centered on glorifying God.
Winning Isn’t Most Important
While sports involve competition, winning shouldn’t become an idol. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24). Do your best, but remember that your worth isn’t based on winning.
Playing Well Matters More than Results
Focus more on effort and sportsmanship than results you can’t fully control. “After you have done everything to stand firm, stand firm” (Ephesians 6:13). Compete with perseverance and integrity, then accept results humbly as from God’s hand.
Pursue Growth, Not Just Achievement
Sports provide opportunities for growth more than just showcasing talents. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11). Embrace growth opportunities sports provide.
Avoid Idolizing Sports Stars
Be careful not to idolize star athletes, which is a form of false worship. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Appreciate their gifts, but give God glory above anyone else.
Cultivate Determination and Perseverance
Sports require training, effort and determination. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Develop godly perseverance, determination and mental toughness through athletic disciplines.
Don’t Let Anger Lead to Sin
Anger often arises in sports, but should not become sinful. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry” (Ephesians 4:26). Control temper and channel any anger into determination, not sinful words or actions.
Recognize Gifts Are from God
Athletic gifts ultimately come from God, not ourselves. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights” (James 1:17). Remember all talents are unearned blessings from Him to nurture.
Maintain Honor and Integrity
Represent Christ well by maintaining ethical conduct. “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity” (Proverbs 11:3). Uphold honor, integrity and godly morals both on and off the field.
Value Effort and Discipline More than Results
Focus more on diligent effort than results beyond your control. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Keep striving your best with self-control, and accept outcomes humbly.
Balance Sports with Other Roles
Be careful sports don’t conflict with other biblical priorities and roles. “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). Keep sports in proper balance with God, family, church, and other responsibilities.
In summary, the Bible provides principles for Christians to exercise godly sportsmanship: play fairly, honor rules and opponents, have self-control and the right attitude in both victory and defeat, avoid unhealthy aggression, maintain integrity, glorify God, and keep eternal perspective. As Christians engage sports, they have great opportunities to live out Christlike character and as disciples of Jesus.