Week 6 in the NFL was one of the stranger weeks so far this season with top teams unexpectedly struggling and having surprising outcomes.

The Packers were undefeated heading into their much-anticipated matchup with the Bucs and jumped out to a 10-point lead. Green Bay then unraveled and gave up 38 unanswered points to lose 38-10.

Meanwhile, the LA Rams couldn’t get their offense going as they played poorly against the 49ers and lost for only the second time this season. The Patriots had a tough day, as well, and shockingly fell to the Denver Broncos.

We also saw the Browns and the Bills both come up short in their games, with some of the hype surrounding them cooling off.

All of these teams that lost still have high hopes and expectations for the rest of the season, but none of them had the kind of game they wanted. They made uncharacteristic mistakes and poor decisions, didn’t do what was needed to win, and allowed their opponent to get the best of them.

Fans and the media know that even the best teams don’t win every week, but we still get caught up in criticizing them and shaming them for losing those games. Although we may be wondering how they could let this happen, we have to realize we can’t write these teams off and need to show them grace for having an off week.

The key for the players and coaches is to acknowledge the loss, figure out why they lost, and improve for next week. Teams like the Packers have to get back to what was working in their four wins and not let the shame or disappointment from the embarrassing loss derail their season.

The reality is, some teams have bad games because they lose focus, play uninspired, or their pride causes them to overlook their opponent.

Unfortunately, the same is true in our own lives as we have bad days filled with uncharacteristic mistakes and poor decisions. We don’t do what is needed to win and allow our opponent to get the best of us.

We, too, have a choice on how we handle the days we slip up and fall. We can either beat ourselves up and allow shame to derail us as we wonder how we could let that happen…or acknowledge and confess our sin and receive God’s grace.

It’s important to evaluate why we lost and gave into temptation, and find ways to improve, but as followers of Jesus, we don’t have to remain in our shame. Instead, we can rest in God’s amazing grace.

Of course, we don’t want to have a bad week or a bad day and embarrass ourselves with our behavior, but inevitably off days will pop up and we’ll struggle.

When they do and God convicts us of our decisions, we must turn to the Lord and confess our sins…and remind ourselves of 1 John 1:9 (AMP): ”If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will forgive our sins and cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose].”

Romans 8:1 (AMP) tells us, “Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior].”

And 1 John 2:1 (NLT) says, “My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the One who is truly righteous.”

Today, let’s continue to seek the Lord, mature in our faith, and grow in godliness. As we encounter bad days and poor decisions, let’s not give up or write ourselves off, but allow our flaws and brokenness to continue to show us how much we need Jesus and His grace.

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m so thankful for Your grace and I’m in awe that You still love me despite my flaws. Please convict me of any sin in my life and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I pray I wouldn’t be slowed down by shame, but help me learn from my mistakes and please continue to develop my character. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Discussion Questions for PACKS: