As a sidelight to what I’m unpacking today, I had to first share with you a very funny, yet unfortunate press conference story involving the new Detroit Lions’ interim head coach, Darrell Bevell.

During his first Zoom press conference, he not only told reporters about his exciting weekend that included the news of him taking over for the fired Matt Patricia, but also revealed that his two daughters’ boyfriends asked for his permission to marry them.

Come to find out these poor boyfriends hadn’t actually proposed yet and Bevell prematurely let the word out!

Of course, not every press conference is this transparent and honest, but when it comes to coaches breaking down a game, don’t we like seeing the crazy dynamic that goes on when forced to face the media after a tough loss?

As fans, don’t we enjoy hearing the emotional, controversial, and hard-to-admit comments when coaches and players are asked difficult questions by reporters?

In some ways, whether realized or not, we listen to their remarks to determine if we’ll forgive them for the loss. We want to hear if they honestly admit to making mistakes, or if they make excuses and shift the blame.

I appreciate what new Carolina Panthers head coach, Matt Rhule, admitted following their tough loss to Minnesota on Sunday: “I’ve always tried to be really honest and real and direct about where I think the fault is. As a coaching staff, we didn’t get the job done today…We have not closed these types of games out.

“I try to look and see where the fault lies and today I would put it squarely on us as a staff, which starts with me. I find this to be great leadership as he admitted his role in the loss and took responsibility for falling short.”

In reality, a post-game press conference becomes a time of confession for coaches to come clean with what took place during the game. As a key responsibility for the leaders of the team, it’s not only an opportunity to get what they want “off their chest,” but also part of their weekly routine.

Going before the media and the fans to admit they failed and didn’t do what they were supposed to do isn’t easy. Similarly, as followers of Jesus, going before the Lord and acknowledging that we have disobeyed and fallen short in some way is very challenging.

However, this process of confession and repentance is key to spiritual growth and maturity. Although we’re going to have bad days when we blow it in one way or another, we must lean into Jesus for forgiveness. He’s always waiting with open arms, grace, and love.

When we’re aware of our sin and transparent in our confession, Jesus will do His work in us. The Bible says in 1 John 1:9 (ESV), “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Proverbs 28:13 (NLT) also confirms this: “People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.”

When coaches approach the media, their comments or confessions may not be well received, and they risk a potential backlash or media firestorm. Thankfully, when we enter our alone time with God, we can be confident that He will listen, forgive, and restore us.

Hebrews 4:16 (NLT) says, “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”

We have to be humble enough to own our mistakes and admit where we missed the mark instead of shifting blame or making excuses.

Thankfully, we serve a loving and grace-filled God who desires for us to confess and turn away from our sins. Each day, let’s embrace this practice and trust Him for strength, so we can live a life pleasing and honoring to Him.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I admit it’s hard to come before You daily in the humble admission of my sins, but I pray that confession and repentance would be a normal part of my life as I follow Jesus. Please make me aware of the sins that I commit, and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I’m deeply grateful for the grace and mercy You show me through Jesus. In His name, I pray, Amen.

Discussion Questions for PACKS:

1. What is your approach to confessing sin to the Lord and experiencing His on-going grace?

2. Why is it important that we don’t shift blame or make excuses?