Bob and I watch PGA events. Our favorite player is Scottie Sheffler, who won his first PGA event in 2022. He has become the #1 Golfer. We have followed his career since then. He has repeatedly said he is a Christian, husband, and father first, and a golfer second.
This year he was #1 in FedEx points going into the 3-event Tour Championship. He won the first event (St. Jude FedEx) by 8 shots. In the second event (BMW) he struggled but managed to tie for 12th place. During a round he was paired with Matt Fitzpatrick, #2 in FedEx points.
Following the BMW event, Scottie revealed he was suffering from Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, a viral infection common in children that produces painful blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth. During the event it was difficult for him to hold a club or speak because of the blisters.
At the first round of the third event (Tour Championship), Sheffler was again paired with Fitzpatrick, who had since learned of the difficulties Sheffler was experiencing the week before. When Fitzpatrick met up with Sheffler, he laughed and said that “he thought Scottie was mad at him” because he didn’t speak to him during the round.
It reminded me how often we misjudge people who are hurting. We think that they are angry, or arrogant, or difficult when in fact, they are in pain (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual).
Colossians 3:12 reminds us that we are to approach everyone with kindness and mercy. We need to always be aware that others may be going through a difficult time. “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” [NLT]