Then Feed My Sheep

Some over the years that we are incredibly thankful for and a few we wish had handled things differently. One coach in particular felt that aggressive insults and put-downs in the middle of a game after a subpar series was the way to improve performance. That was unfortunate.  

I remember advice I received from my friend and mentor, Jerry Leachman, around some issues with one of my children I had been struggling with. At the end of our talk, he simply said, "Never break his spirit". I've always tried to remember that when correcting behavior.  

Attack the behavior, not the person, and leave them believing in what's possible, not that they are unworthy. 

This is modeled so well by Jesus himself. Look at the trainwreck Peter was. Time after time, he would go off the rails and do or say something whacko. Jesus would consistently and with kind firmness bring him back to center. Even after Peter denied three times that he even knew Jesus, he didn't cast him to hell and say I told you so! No, he went to where Peter was and made him breakfast.  

"After breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, 'Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?' 'Yes, Lord,' Peter replied, 'you know I love you.' 'Then feed my lambs,' Jesus told him." (John 21:15)

Three times, Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me?" Then offered him instruction. Once for each of the times Peter had denied him just days earlier. In a way to call out Peter's heart and then redirect it into the desired behavior. It worked, for Peter became one of the most courageous Christian leaders of all time.

If you want to correct behavior or motivate someone to a different outcome, correction is necessary. But remember, methods matter, and it takes firm, patient love with clarity. Don't break their spirit. That typically causes your best horses to run into someone else's stable.  

"Do you love me?" Jesus asks. Then feed my sheep, don't beat them down.