If you are reading this, it is likely that you are a coach. However, whether you are a coach, a parent, or an athlete, you are involved in relationships. One of the most encouraging aspects of relationships is the exchange of compliments—genuine, from-the-heart compliments that don’t patronize, but let someone know that he or she is valued. Coaches sometimes neglect to show their appreciation for the players who sit on the bench. We get so wrapped up with the starters that we fail to let those less talented or less experienced know just how much we’re thankful that they’re on the team.

We learn something about the heart of God through the prophet Isaiah. The Father spares no words in letting us know that we are precious in His sight, and that we are honored in Christ. He loves us so much that He gave His only Son in order to prove how much He loves us. We all need to devote time to let that sink in, not just in the beginning of our Christian walk, but every day for the rest of our lives. The God of the universe, who calls the stars by name (Is 40:26), believes that you are precious.

In athletics, our worth is often based on our performance, but God’s love for us isn’t based on anything about us at all. When He sees us, He sees His Son, which is why He loves us. We are complete in Christ. Because of Jesus, God loves us with an everlasting love (Jr 31:3). He loves us not because of what we’ve done, but because of who He is. God is love (1 Jn 4:8). So, today, allow these words to be written on your heart and mind. Let’s also not forget to share God’s love with all those on our team, making a special effort to let every player know that he or she is precious to the human coach as well as to the heavenly Coach.