Leader Guide
Anger can be a tricky emotion. It isn't always explosive or loud. Sometimes It shows up quietly through defensiveness, gossip, sarcasm, withdrawal, or internal resentment. Left unchecked can affect our spiritual and even physical health. Even Jesus Himself experienced the emotion of anger. Anger can function as a warning sign, alerting us to hurt, injustice, or unmet expectations. But when anger takes control, even when we feel justified, it does not lead to the righteousness God desires. This week, we’ll explore the different ways anger shows up in our lives, how we often excuse or dismiss it, and how slowing down, replacing it with God’s Word, and submitting our responses to Him can help us move from reacting inappropriately in anger to responding with wisdom, patience, and grace.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start:
Leader: This section is meant to start meaningful conversation, engage with God’s truth, and connect it to everyday life. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in the group is a Christ follower. However, participation in a Life Group suggests a willingness to explore faith and spiritual topics. Encourage openness and honesty and pray for the Holy Spirit to lead both the discussion and the people in your group.
**You do not have to cover every verse or prompt. Choose what best fits your group**
1. When your engine light comes on, what is your next response...?
A) Immediately panic and assume you will have to get a new car
B) Turn music up and pretend you don’t see it
C) Put a piece of tape over it
Leader: This leads well into the emotion of anger. Many of us treat anger the same way. The light is not the actual problem just like the emotion of anger is not the problem. The engine light is just a warning that something deeper needs attention. Anger can work the same way if we ignore it, overreact, or never check our hearts.
2. Read James 1:19-21. Scripture says to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Which of those is hardest for you in the moment, and why? When you feel angry, are you truly listening to the other person, or are you already planning your response or defense?
Leader: Most of us do this out of order: we react first, speak loudly, defend ourselves, and listen last—if we listen at all. Often, we only listen when we agree. Even when we feel right or justified, Scripture tells us our anger will not produce God’s righteousness.
3. Read James 1:22-25. Why is it easier to know what scripture says about anger than to actually apply it in real life? What are some ways anger can come out indirectly – through gossip, sarcasm, impatience, or things said behind someone’s back?
Leader: This scripture reminds us that just knowing isn’t enough. God’s Word is meant to change us, not just inform us. Receiving the Word means letting it replace our instinct to react. Over time, when we respond with humility and meekness, the Word begins to take root, and our words can become a source of encouragement instead of harm.
4. Read James 1:26. Why do you think James connects faith maturity so closely with controlling our words? What are some physical or emotional signals that tell you anger is taking over (racing pulse, sweating, raised voice, shutting down)?
Leader: This passage uses the idea of bridling the tongue for a reason. Like a horse, strong and powerful without a bridle, there is no control. Either we control our anger, or it controls us. Learning to recognize physical or emotional warning signs can help us pause before damage is done.
5. Read Romans 3:23-24. How does remembering that we all fall short, change the way you view your own anger, or the anger of others? In what ways does God’s grace create space for growth instead of shame when we don’t handle anger well?
Leader: While some things should make us angry, responding poorly can undermine the very good we hope to accomplish. As followers of Christ, we are watched, not for perfection, but for patience, restraint, and grace shaped by the Spirit.
Action Step: This week, pay attention to your anger signals; physical, emotional, or behavioral. Identify one recent moment where anger led your response. Ask: What would obedience have looked like here? What can I do differently next time to apply God’s Word and not just hear it?
Optional – Deeper Dive
Read Ephesians 4:26–30. What does this passage suggest about the difference between feeling anger and allowing it to linger or take control?