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Image by Aarón Blanco Tejedor

Lesson 7: Be Angry and Sin Not

Introduction

What is the dictionary definition of anger?  What is your definition of anger?  Give 3 other words that are synonymous with anger. 

Bible Perspective

Image by Aaron Burden

"You risked your life doing something foolish. I finally made it to work on time only for me to have to leave to pick up your irresponsible behind. I can't afford to miss another night of work.  I'm going to lose my job," she yelled without giving Natasha a chance to respond.

Bible Study

 

  1.  Does God get angry? Psalms 103: 8-9

  2. Did Jesus ever get angry?  Read Mark 3:1-6

  3. The Bible tells us to be angry, but not sin, in Ephesians 4:26.  How do you understand this verse?

  4. Why do you think Ephesians 4:26 says, " Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry?

 

Bible Story

Scripture: Jonah 1-4                                                                          Story:  Jonah

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  1. Read the entire book of Jonah, chapters 1-4.

  2. Why did Jonah become angry?  

  3. Was his anger justified?  Why or why not? 

  4. How did God respond to Jonah's anger? 

  5. What was God trying to teach Jonah?  

  6. What does this story teach us about how God deals with us if and when we get angry with Him?

Bible Research

  1. Search the scriptures for verses that talk about anger.

  2. Search the scriptures for stories that address anger.

Explain Your Response

  1. Does God get angry?  

  2. Is it a sin to be angry?

  3. Is there such a thing as righteous anger?  

  4. What do you conclude is the Bible's takeaway lesson about anger?

Character Analysis: 

  1. Which of the characters in Unbroken Bones became angry, and how did they express their anger? (Provide specific examples, chapters, and/or pages.)

  2. Do you believe any of the characters were justifiably angry? Explain your answer.

  3. In what way did anger bring harm to any of the characters?

  4. Did any of the characters have long-term issues with anger?  If so, what was the cause?

  5. Did any of the characters cope well with their anger, or with the anger others showed toward them?

Anger in our Community, Nation and World

  1. What stories or incidents reflect the expression of anger in your community/nation?

  2. What are some of the consequences of anger that you see in your community/nation?

  3. How does our society deal with negative expressions of anger?

Self-Analysis

  • How do you respond when someone gets angry with you?

  • What do you do when you get angry?

  • Do you get angry often (more than once a week)?

  • Do you take time to reflect after each angry incident?

  • Have you ever been angry with God?

Reflection/Journal Entry

Reflection 1: Think and write about the last time you were angry.  Do you feel your anger was justified?  What did people around you think about your anger?  Did your anger hurt anyone around you? How did you deal with your anger?  What type of behavior do you exhibit when you get angry (i.e. swear words, throwing things, or perhaps a smile)? Do you try to calm yourself down?  If so, what do you do?

 

Reflection 2:  Have you ever been angry with God?  If so, write about the source of your anger. How did God deal with Jonah when Jonah was mad with God?

 

After reading the “Helpful Resources” below, name 3 positive things you do or can do to effectively manage or address anger. 

Research the following questions on the internet.

  • What happens to my physical body when I get and stay angry?

  • What are the long-term effects of anger?

  • What are good anger coping strategies?

  • How do I know if I have anger issues and need professional therapy?

Complete one of the following:

  • Write an essay on what you found out from your research.

  • Develop a power point presentation on anger and the research you completed.  Present it to your family or other group.

  • Develop a handout or brochure about anger and coping strategies

Helpful Resources

Anger is an emotion that God Himself expresses. Emotions are not good or bad in themselves, but there are healthy and unhealthy ways of expressing them. Why you become angry and how you express your anger matters. There is an anger this is justified and appropriate but there is also an anger that is sinful and destructive. It's important to assess yourself every time you get angry. The Bible instructs us to be angry, but sin not.

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