YOUTH GROUP LESSON ON ANGER
CLICK HERE FOR A YOUTH GROUP GAME ON ANGER
This lesson is a part of a larger series called The Haunted Heart. We have an entire sermon series library loaded with resources like this at youthpastor.co.
Lesson Overview
• The Scriptures tell us to “guard our hearts above all else, for from it flows the issues of life.” In this lesson, we want to highlight the danger of anger, how it affects our hearts, and how to deal with this deadly emotion!
Breakdown
• Main Scripture: Genesis 4:1-8; Ephesians 4:31-32; Matthew 6:14-15
• Bottom Line: Anger will poison your heart.
Capture: Grab their attention with an illustration.
• Story: Tell a story from your life about a time when you got a splinter. Make it really dramatic, too, because we all hate splinters. Talk about how something so small caused so much pain, and it wasn’t the easiest thing to get rid of either!
• It’s very easy to find ourselves angry in these situations. Small things, strangely enough, can evoke anger much quicker than large, difficult things! Whether big or small, however, anger is something that everyone deals with in some form or fashion. How do we deal with anger in a biblical way that honors God?
Connect: Connect them to God’s word.
• Question: Have you ever struggled with anger — even over seemingly insignificant things? When we allow small things to fester in our heart it affects our attitudes, erodes our relationships, hurts our character, and can even affect our faith in God.
• Scripture: Genesis 4:1-8 — This is the first time we see anger at work in Scripture.
Consider: What does this mean for us today?
• Scripture: Ephesians 4:31-32 — Anger has no place in the life of a believer! Anger’s root is found in pride.
• Story: Share a time from your life when you were angry or bitter towards someone, and as a result, it felt like God was a million miles away.
• Anger and pride walk hand in hand because, at their core, they both believe that they are right and superior.
• Often, angry people are hurt people who have been greatly harmed! If you show me an angry person, I’ll show you a hurt person — one whose expectations weren’t met, which lodged a splinter in their heart.
• When we walk in anger, pride, and division are close behind, ruining the work of God in our hearts and in the community around us. Nothing ruins a life like habitual anger!
• Bottom Line: Anger will poison your heart.
Collide: How do we apply this in our lives?
• Scripture: Matthew 6:14-15 — How do we deal with anger? The only antidote for this poison is through forgiveness. Anger gains strength from secrecy; exposing it through forgiveness is painful and powerful.
• Story: Tell a story from your life where you were angry, but a hard conversation with forgiveness made all the difference.
• While it’s challenging, forgiveness is a non-negotiable in the life of a believer. If you’re struggling with anger, it’s time to walk in forgiveness. Forgive someone who is causing your anger!
• Application: Forgive those you’re angry at.
Call: How do we respond to the message?
• Altar moment: Maybe you’ve realized the distance you feel from God is actually because of the anger you feel towards another. Contend for forgiveness at the altar!
• Small Group Questions:
1. What makes you angry? How have you dealt with anger in the past?
2. How does anger poison our hearts? Why is it dangerous?
3. What’s one thing you can do this week to get rid of anger in your life?
4. Is there someone you need to forgive this week?