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Jiu Jitsu is more than just a sport or a martial art. It is a way of life that teaches discipline, respect, and humility. But did you know that Jiu Jitsu and the Bible have a lot in common? Both offer valuable lessons and resources that help us navigate through life’s challenges and become better versions of ourselves.

Lesson 1: Humility

In Jiu Jitsu, we learn to be humble by acknowledging that there is always someone better than us. We are constantly learning and improving, and we must be open to feedback and criticism. Similarly, the Bible teaches us to be humble and to put others before ourselves:

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).

Lesson 2: Perseverance

Jiu Jitsu is not easy. It takes years of dedication and hard work to master the techniques and become a black belt. But the journey is worth it.

The same is true for our spiritual journey. We must persevere through trials and tribulations, knowing that when we belong to God, He will be with us every step of the way:

“Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance” (James 1:2-3).

Lesson 3: Love

Jiu Jitsu is not just about winning matches or submitting opponents. It is also about showing love and respect for our training partners. We help each other improve and grow, and we celebrate each other’s successes. The Bible teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves and to show kindness and compassion to all:

“Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).

The Most Important Lesson

Jesus Christ preached and taught about repentance throughout His ministry. He urged people to turn away from their sins and commit their lives to God.

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). Jesus explained that repentance involves a deep and sincere desire to change one’s ways and turn towards God. It requires confessing our sins and seeking forgiveness from God.

Jesus shared the parable of the prodigal son who squandered his inheritance on sinful living but eventually returned home, humbly seeking forgiveness from his father. The father forgave him and celebrated his return, teaching us that no matter how far we have strayed from God’s path, He will always welcome us back with open arms if we truly repent. God’s forgiveness is available to everyone because Jesus endured the punishment our sins deserve when He died on the cross, and then rose again, demonstrating His victory over sin and death.

In Luke 13, Jesus reminds us that unless we repent, we will all perish. He emphasizes that the purpose of repentance is not just avoiding punishment, but is the only way to reconcile with God and experience His love and mercy.

In essence, the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches that repentance is integral to knowing God.

Jiu Jitsu AND the Bible

Jiu Jitsu and the Bible may seem like two very different things, but they share a common goal: to help us become better people. By practicing Jiu Jitsu and studying the Bible, we can learn valuable lessons that will benefit us both on and off the mat. So let us embrace the Bible’s message of Jesus and the power of Jiu Jitsu, and become the best versions of ourselves that we can.

Repent and believe the gospel.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

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