Anger

Opening Question: Can you describe the last time you got angry?

Let’s read and discuss what the Bible says about Anger, going over any difficult words:

Exodus 34:6,7
6 The LORD passed before Moses and proclaimed, "The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation."

Q: How would you describe what God is like, according to these two verses?
Q: Can you try to put verse 7 into your own words?


Proverbs 15:1
1 A gentle answer turns anger away. But mean words stir up anger.

Q: Can you give an example of what Proverbs 15:1 is saying?


James 1:19
19 My dear brothers and sisters, pay attention to what I say. Everyone should be quick to listen. But they should be slow to speak. They should be slow to get angry.

Q: What do you think is the connection between listening, speaking and getting angry?


Matthew 5:21-26
21 “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ 22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. 23 So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, 24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. 25 When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. 26 And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.”

Q: How do you feel when you are angry? And when someone is angry with you?
Q: Is there someone in your life that you are angry with, or who you think may be angry with you? If so, what are you going to do about it?