Lately, I’ve noticed it’s fashionable to gloat over an enemy’s downfall. We’ve done this for eons. However, it seems to be encouraged even more in today’s American society. Unfortunately, we tend to forget about the dangers of gloating.
When someone we don’t particularly like falls into trouble, we are tempted to pile it on. We say:
- They got what they deserved!
- It serves them right!
- Now they’re going to pay!
- They’re getting just what they deserve!
Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble.
Proverbs 24:17
The problem with this kind of thinking is that everything is cyclical.
- Someone falling on hard times today can bounce back.
- Maybe you or someone you admire will fall on hard times next.
- Rejoicing over the bad fortune of another doesn’t bring us up.
- Wishing ill will on anyone poisons our souls.
We may think we are tasting victory when we gloat over an enemy’s downfall. It turns out it’s more like swallowing a fly as we cross the finish line. When we shake hands and tell an opponent, “Good game,” do we really mean it? When we revel in our opponent’s loss, do we end up degrading ourselves?
Good Sports are Stronger
Today, we don’t have to travel very far to find poor sports. We can find them in the stands of many a little league game. Well-meaning parents forget to be good sports as they advocate for their kids.
It’s getting to the point where there is a referee shortage because of the poor sportsmanship of spectators, coaches, and players. Nobody wins with bad behavior. The dangers of gloating and poor sportsmanship can kill the very game bad actors love.
Good sports are stronger than bad sports. It takes humility and courage to accept the call of a referee, even when we don’t agree with it. Unchecked aggressive behavior ends up being destructive.
When we’re tempted to be a poor sport, remember the dangers of gloating are real.
Editor’s Note: I originally published this blog on October 6, 2015. I revamped and updated it for timeliness and comprehensiveness.
