We have a big impact!

Have you ever had a moment of anger, such anger where you want to really throw it out and make it known? If so, then you know what I'm talking about. I don't mean you have to yell or scream, hit or kick, or use bad language, just having it inside of you and being irritated and standing on the edge of your patience. I can relate to this pretty well when playing the sport of tennis. Sometimes that ball will not get over the net and it'll just barely go high enough. Or if the ball goes onto the other court or if I have a weak backhand and I can hardly get it over the net. My patience really goes low. I want to at times get that racket and wack it on the court. Hey, I know that may sound funny, or a bit rediculous that little Vanessa would really do that, but believe me, I do at times feel that way and want to let all my anger loose! If the racket I use wouldn't be the kind and costly one it is, then I would whack it on the court! However, at times I really do appreciate in a sense that my tennis racket is a great brand and is costly because it forces me from not banging it on the court. You see, even though this is just a sport, but I have a weakness in this area to become angry.

I have realized and have come to the point that my actions speak louder than my words! There are others on these tennis court area playing the exact sport. Now, who knows, they may all be unbelievers or all believers. Or there may be just one unbeliever who has the same anger letting out and being mad at himself and sure is showing it. If this person sees me then he/she might be thinking, "Oh, everyone has this problem of anger, it's considered normal and especially when playing this sport!" Do you see this my friends? Do you clearly see how much of an impact a Christian does have. Even if this person doesn't know that we are believers, but we know, and it is important for us to always act with kindness and being gentle with our actions and words. We could be a light for this person without any of us knowing. This person could then see and be impressed with how we are acting, and therefore God will get the glory, not us. Always remember that!

Anger turns to sin when it is selfishly motivated,when God’s goal is distorted, or when anger is allowed to linger. Notice that anger isn't always sin. Take Ephesians 4:26 as an example: "Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath." Psalm 4:4 says, "In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent." When we give in to anger, we often focus on our own welfare, comfort or happiness. Instead, we should be primarily concerned about other people’s welfare and being a good witness for God.

My friends, for my conclusion I want you all to see and realize that we have a big impact with the way we act and speak. It doesn't have to be tennis which gets you angry, it could be your siblings, parents, best friend, spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend, whoever and whatever the situation might be. Let us always speak and act pleasing unto the Lord. Anger is of Satan and he uses this tool for us to fall into sin and into an area with which we are weak in. If we know we are weak in a certain area, then ask the Lord to help you and give you the strength to walk out of it. Anger can shatter communication and tear apart relationships, and it ruins both the joy and health of many.

Psalm 37:8: Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.