Sore Winners
One important lesson we continually emphasize to our boys is the importance of not being a sore winner. In any game, realistically, only one individual emerges victorious. While it may be idealistic to say that everyone wins because the enjoyment lies in playing, humans instinctively understand that winning feels superior to losing.
Consequently, after any game, there is an exercise in self-control and learning to win or lose gracefully. Generally, people do not appreciate a sore loser who complains about their loss, although we often allow a brief mourning period for those who did not win. However, when someone is triumphant, gloating by laughing or pointing at others is almost intolerable. As my boys are discovering, there is little worse than a sore winner.
When someone wins, it becomes more challenging to be gracious because they have triumphed over us. We perceive the disparity in outcomes and feel slighted by the luck or fate that influenced the result. Since most games involve some degree of chance, it is even more vital to be a graceful winner, as future outcomes may not always favor us.
For those of us in Christ, our victory is assured. The Bible clearly states,
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37) and “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57).
We recognize that this victory is not of our own doing but due to God’s immense love for humanity and His plan fulfilled through Jesus, His Son.
This understanding should inspire us to be gracious winners. We must acknowledge our secured victory without boasting or bragging and lift up those around us.
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.” (Proverbs 16:18-19).
Solomon’s wisdom highlights that victory with pride is contemptible, and humility is the preferred outcome.
Nevertheless, we shouldn’t navigate life with a miserable outlook. Instead, we should embody the sentiment expressed by Paul in his second letter to the church in Corinth.
“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things? For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:14-17).
We play a dual role in this unfolding drama. We are akin to participants in a victory parade, though we did not fight the ultimate battle—that honor belongs to Jesus. However, we join the royal procession, celebrating the conquering hero. Our task is to be a fragrance spreading throughout the air. Fragrances travel freely and permeate indiscriminately.
Paul poses the question, “Who is sufficient for these things?” Being an aroma that conveys such significant information is a substantial responsibility. Yet, this is precisely our role—to share the message that everyone can be winners. Everyone is invited to join the procession and walk in the victory parade. Therefore, we must recognize our position and the blessings bestowed upon us by God. A sore winner seeks to hoard recognition and success, lording it over others. Conversely, a graceful winner understands their fortunate circumstances and willingly shares the victory with those around them. This serves as a reminder to avoid being sore winners in life.