Red Letter Coaching Matthew 5:11-12

Blessed When It costs You

“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it. Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.”— Matthew 5:11–12

The Big Idea (B3rd Focus)

Faithfulness to Jesus will not always be celebrated—but obedience is always rewarded.

Coaching Reflection

Matthew 5 places us right in the middle of Jesus’ ministry at the Sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes redefine what it means to be blessed. Jesus honors the poor in spirit, the humble, those who mourn, and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. This is good news—it reminds us that God meets us in our need, not our perfection.

But Jesus closes this section with a reality check. Following Him will bring opposition. There will be moments when obedience leads to misunderstanding, mockery, or rejection. This has always been true for God’s people.

Jesus reframes the struggle. Opposition does not mean you are doing something wrong—it often means you are doing something right. Faithfulness has a cost, but it also carries eternal purpose.

B3rd Application

In athletics, choosing Christ-centered values won’t always fit the culture. Integrity may cost playing time. Conviction may bring criticism. Humility may be misunderstood as weakness.

Matthew 5 reminds us that B3rd living isn’t about approval—it’s about alignment. When we respond to pressure with biblical love instead of retaliation, we reflect Christ and lead differently.

B3rd Challenges

Athletes

• Have you ever felt pressure to hide your faith or convictions to fit in?

• How do you typically respond when you are mocked or misunderstood?

Challenge:

Choose to respond with humility and love this week—even when it would be easier to react emotionally.

Coaches

• Are you willing to lead with conviction even when it costs popularity or approval?

• How do you model Christlike responses under criticism?

Challenge:

Model restraint, grace, and truth this week when faced with resistance or pushback.

Parents

• Are you preparing your athlete to stand firm in faith—or only to succeed in sport?

• How do you talk about criticism or adversity in your home?

Challenge:

Encourage your athlete this week by reminding them that faithfulness matters more than acceptance.

Final B3rd Thought

Being B3rd means choosing obedience even when it costs you socially, culturally, or competitively. When you are challenged because of your faith, take heart—God is at work.