Are we living in “The Age of Rage”? Many believe so. Anger often fuels lots of behaviors, most of them bad. Discerning what righteous anger might be, versus unrighteous is not as easy as one might think. What does God’s word say to God’s people?

Ephesians 4:26-27
25 Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Discipleship Conversations

For Adult Homes or Groups 

Read Ephesians 4:26-27. Are we living in “The Age of Rage”? Many believe so. Anger often fuels lots of behaviors, most of them bad. Discerning what “righteous” anger might be, versus unrighteous, is not as easy as one might think. What does God’s word say to God’s people? 

1. Discuss among one another what makes you angry? 
2. Read 2 Corinthians 12:20, Galatians 5:20, Ephesians 4:31, Colossians 3:8. What conclusions can you draw about unrighteous anger - its source, its outcome, its seriousness? 
3. How can we prevent anger from leading to sin? (See Ephesians 4:26 and Psalm 4:4) What are some questions you might ask yourself as you “search your heart” regarding your anger? 
4. Why does James say we should be “slow to become angry” (James 1:19-20). 
5. How can we “get rid of” anger (Ephesians 4:31, Romans 12:19, Mark 11:25) 
6. Hebrews 12:15 says, “Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” How can experiencing God’s grace help us overcome anger? 

For Families with Kids 

1. Read Ephesians 4:26-27 with your family. 
2. Everyone share something that makes them angry. Why does it anger you? 
3. How can Jesus help us to deal with anger the right way? 
4. Read Ephesians 4:32. How does God’s forgiveness help us to forgive others? 
5. Bonus Activity: Sometime this week, create elephant toothpaste! A quick internet search will show you how. But be careful! After you enjoy creating elephant toothpaste with your family, remind your kids that anger can feel uncontrollable, much like elephant toothpaste. However, as we spend time with God through prayer and reading his Word, the Holy Spirit can help us control that anger by building up patience and gentleness in us.