My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. —James 1:19-20
Anger is not an issue of circumstances; it is an issue of the heart.
Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and 27 do not give the devil an opportunity. —Ephesians 4:26, 27 NASB
Carry anger as short a time as possible.
Anger is an open door.
Anger is an open account.
How do I get rid of anger?
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” —Ephesians 4:31, 32
Only forgiveness breaks the power of anger.
To forgive is to cancel a debt. (Matthew 18:21-35)
Forgiveness closes the account.
Forgiveness closes the door to the accuser.
At the cross, we are reminded that we had a debt that we couldn’t pay, and Jesus paid it for us.
To forgive and release anger…
Identify whom you’re angry with.
Determine what was taken from you.
Cancel the debt.
Process your hurt and anger.
As you have been forgiven by God, choose to extend forgiveness to the people who hurt you most.
Discipleship Guide
Let’s Talk About It
No one likes being told what to do. And yet, many of us are unintentionally pushed around by several dangerous emotions. Anger is an emotion we all experience. However, anger can become your boss when you carry it from one season to the next. Then, it has the power and potential to destroy your relationships and life. The good news is you don’t have to carry your anger – you can be free from it. Forgiveness breaks the power of anger and allows Christ to set you free.
James 1:19-20; Ephesians 4:26-32; Proverbs 29:11, 22; 10:12; 14:17; Matthew 18:21-35
Discussion questions:
- Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?
- Describe your relationship with anger. Do you tend to “shout out” or “shut down”?
- Read James 1:19-20. What or who triggers your strongest feelings of anger? Explain.
- Read Ephesians 4:26-27. Think about a recent situation in which you found yourself becoming angry. What did you want that you didn’t get? How do you deal with anger when it wells up in you? What happens when you don’t deal with anger?
- Read Ephesians 4:31-32. How is forgiveness the key to getting rid of anger? What keeps you from forgiving others? How does focusing on how God loves you and has forgiven you supply you with the humility and grace you need to forgive?
- Is there someone you need to forgive? How can this Grace Group support you?
Take a Step
- Take some time to search your heart and…
o Identify who you’re angry with.
o Decide what you feel was taken from you.
o Cancel the debt.
o Process your hurt and anger.
(You may be tempted to dig it up again mentally… but don’t. Remind yourself that it is in your past and celebrate your forgiveness and freedom in Christ.)
Here’s My Prayer
Thank you, Jesus, that anger doesn’t have to be the boss of me. On the cross, you paid the penalty I deserve for my sin. Help me to extend this same grace and forgiveness to others. I don’t want to carry anger. I choose to forgive