The ball is in your court

Austin Gardner • August 7, 2022

They want to know if you love them and really believe in them.

The following was posted on December 23, 2020.


Now we have been going through this for days. You might think that the person you are dealing with will never do so much. I have found over the years that they will if they truly love God and want to do right. They will especially do it if you love them and they are sure that you are doing it all for their best and their good. They want to know if you love them and really believe in them.


Now what do you do if the person is not willing to follow through? Well what I do is explain to them the phrase, the ball is in your court! That means that I love you and I want to help you. I came to you. Now I will help you and continue helping you if you really want help to serve and honor God.


I tell them that they can be stronger than ever if they allow God to take this failure and turn it into a victory. I tell them that I will be there for them but they must do their part. I explain that I can not make them do right. It has to first be a work of God in their heart and secondly something that they truly want.


I will go after them over and over until they reject me but if they refuse to follow through on the discipline then that means that I did not throw them out but that they threw themselves out.


The ball is in your court. Will you respond and do what God wants you to do?


I meet with them time and time again. Actually after their sin we may be closer to each other than we have ever been before.


Are you willing to love them when they do not deserve to be loved? Are you willing to go after the lost sheep and bring them back to the fold?



Also read


How can I find the truth?

The Three Steps of Church Discipline

Division among the brethren

Be careful who you criticize

keeping a record of wrongs

Judge Biblically

What to do with the accusation

Biblical plan for restoration

Consider Yourself

Restoration is the goal

Steps to restoration

Replacement

Replacement 2

Renewing our minds

Passages to renew our minds


By Austin Gardner January 30, 2026
Inspirational quote about the power of rest in leadership.
By Austin Gardner January 29, 2026
Grace-Powered Transformation for Ministry Leaders
By Austin Gardner January 28, 2026
Struggling in your marriage? Discover the biblical principles for restoration and why your relationship is worth fighting for. Read the full guide here
By Austin Gardner January 27, 2026
Reclaiming the Power, Love, and Sound Mind God Promised You.
By Austin Gardner January 26, 2026
Biblical Insight on Common Church Leadership Mistakes and How to Correct Them
By Austin Gardner January 25, 2026
Biblical Wisdom for Struggling Marriages, Communication Problems, and Emotional Distance
By Austin Gardner January 24, 2026
Why believing you are fully loved by God is the difference between lasting leadership and quiet burnout.
By Austin Gardner January 23, 2026
How to Biblically Let Go and Find Freedom
By Austin Gardner June 12, 2024
A wonderful historical story that will teach us a great deal. 
By Austin Gardner June 11, 2024
Maximizing Growth, Overcoming Limits, and Achieving Excellence Through Effective Coaching