From The Pastor’s Pen – By Brian Horrobin
The 2026 Men’s World Cup is now history and the thousands of fans from across the globe who came to Canada, the United States, and Mexico to watch the exciting soccer matches have gone home.
However, there is one story that came out of these games that caught a lot of attention, and for good reason.
The Japanese fans did what they always do after all the games that their team plays, win or lose.
Japan was knocked out in the round of 32 at this year’s tournament, but their fans did not pout, argue, or start a riot.
No, they came armed with garbage bags so that at the conclusion of their team’s match they could carefully scour the stands for garbage and clean up.
No selfies on social media were made, and no Japanese media were hired to cover this act of respect and courtesy.
In an age where we see all manner of bad behaviour by rabid fans there stand the Japanese setting the gold standard in sportsmanship and right conduct.
Their impressive actions remind me of the instructions of our Saviour found in Matthew 7:12, commonly referred to as the “Golden Rule”: “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
It’s so simple, really, treat others the way you would want to be treated.
It’s not complicated, and even a child can do it, but it is still a choice.
We must choose this route over revenge and selfishness.
I encourage you to look for ways this week where you can put these wise words of Jesus into action.
You, and they, will reap the rewards!
