Cunningham: 'You're forgiven' and doesn't live for applause
The Indiana Fever guard spoke about doubt and forgiveness on episode 692 of Theo Von's podcast.
Sophie Cunningham, guard for the Indiana Fever, doesn't live for applause. She said so on episode 692 of This Past Weekend, Theo Von's podcast, and right there she declared: "you're already forgiven," according to RELEVANT Magazine.
Theo Von shared that prayer is the area of his life he enjoys most, but that when work consumes him he feels the connection go cold. He said he wishes it were stronger. Cunningham told him she understood, and made clear she was saying it for those listening to the episode too.
She explained that nothing a person does or fails to do can separate them from God's love, grace and forgiveness. That's why Jesus came and died on the cross, she added: he already knew what each of us would do. What comes next, she said, is up to each person: educating yourself and reading the Bible.
«Applause changes with the scoreboard; Christ's forgiveness doesn't.»
I don't live for their applause
Earlier in the conversation, Cunningham shared where she gets her balance. Because of her job, she said, she receives a lot of hate and a lot of praise. Her faith keeps her steady and reminds her who she is. On other people's opinions she was direct: she doesn't live for the applause of the crowd.
It's an uncomfortable statement in a league where every game is measured in numbers and every mistake is replayed on video. Applause changes with the scoreboard; Christ's forgiveness doesn't.
Von also asked her whether the media is unfair to Christians. She answered that it depends on your perspective and that she's glad to hear more people say they believe. She said she thinks there is a revival.
She acknowledged that speaking up can be scary, because many people have had bad experiences with church, and that she likes seeing athletes with big platforms talk about Jesus boldly. Von added that more players he has met in the last four years seem to have faith.
Forgiveness you receive, not one you presume on
This is where we should slow down. The Bible says: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:1-2, ESV). The forgiveness she announced is real and complete. It also has a way in: being in Christ.
That means grace is received, not presumed on. The cross finished the work of forgiveness, but Scripture doesn't promise a pardon to someone who keeps living as if nothing had happened.
The path she herself mentioned, educating yourself and reading the Bible, assumes repentance and faith, not a blank check. Cheap grace would be saying "God loves you" and leaving you the same. Real grace forgives and also transforms.
Whose permission are you asking for?
Here is the clash with everyday life. A young person who studies, works and posts on social media quickly learns to measure their worth in notifications. The problem is that this scoreboard never stops. There is always someone with better numbers.
Paul said it plainly: "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:10, ESV).
This week you can do something concrete. Before you post, ask yourself whose permission you're asking to exist. If the answer is an audience, change your audience. Talk to your pastor or a believing friend and read Romans 8 slowly. You don't live for anyone's applause: there is already One who knows you and called you by name.
