SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN

1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

O how I love Thee well,

I am happy, it makes me glad

To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

Thy friendship suits me well,

Both young and old will sing Thy song,

We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

Christ was Thy first teacher,

The Holy Spirit, great teacher,

Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

This testimony is sure,

That God, the Father Almighty,

Poured His blessing on Thee

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

Though the sun be so bright,

Or if the clouds be black with rain,

I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day

I rejoice to see Thee,

Will thou pass over me today?

Without my being blest?

BIBLE PASSAGE: Ephesians 4:26-27 (NKJV)

[26] “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, [27] nor give place to the devil.

MEMORY VERSE: “Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:9 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: Anger is a negative emotion characterised by bitterness towards someone or something especially when there is a perceived wrong. It often ignites powerful, restless, aggressive feelings and behaviours. The feeling of anger arises due to how we interpret or react to certain situations. Anger is termed ‘temporary madness’ because it takes over the mind and body and removes the ability to reason with no respect for dignity and friendship. Anger Management is gaining control over our emotions and the ability to regulate rage. We can be angry but it must be managed and not degenerate into sin (Psalm 37:8; Ephesians 4:26-27).

OUTLINES:

1. ANGER TRIGGERS AND EFFECTS

2. SUBDUING ANGER

1. ANGER TRIGGERS AND EFFECTS

As humans, we have triggers that make us angry and this could be, from trivial to serious concerns (Leviticus 10:16-17). Anger issues also stem from a strong feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance (Numbers 22:27). Other causes of anger include hatred/frustration (Jonah 3:10-4:1); lack of rule over one’s spirit (Proverbs 25:28); hasty judgements (2 Samuel 12:5-7); quick temper (Proverbs 14:17); acting foolishly (2 Chronicles 16:8-10); transferred aggression (Daniel 2:11-12), and unjustifiable reasons (Matthew 5:22).

Anger is dangerous because it can result in murder and alter destinies (Genesis 49:6-7). It also stirs up strife (Proverbs 29:22); ruins/halts good relationships (Proverbs 22:24-25); makes one do irrational things (Exodus 32:19); brings low (1 Samuel 17:28-30); makes one say what should not be said (1Samuel 20:30).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Was there any time you were angry and did or said what you later regretted? Share your experience with the class.

2. SUBDUING ANGER

To manage anger, every believer must develop the ability to control his/her temperament (particularly in stressful situations) with the help of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). We must show proper behaviour and/or disagree appropriately without losing control of our emotions (Ephesians 4:26). Self-control is a good regulator for anger (Galatians 5:23). We must consciously put anger far away from us (Ephesians 4:31). Anger is a vice we must cease from (Psalm 37:8). It must be deliberately put off (Colossians 3:8).

We must also employ strategies such as being slow to speak (James 1:19); providing a soft and gentle answer (Proverbs 15:1); being discreet (Proverbs 19:11); walking away from an angry person/scene (Proverbs 26:4); talking to oneself ‘‘why am I angry’’ (1 Corinthians 9:27); looking inwards with divine assistance for unresolved issues which trigger anger (Psalm 139:23-24); staying calm (Proverbs 14:29); learn to be quiet (Proverbs 13:3) and attend to issues with knowledge (Proverbs 17:27; 13:16). Not allowing anger to run for days depicts maturity.

If you lose your temper at the slightest provocation, you must acknowledge that you have an anger issue and deal with it decisively. See a therapist if need be and ask God for help.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What practical steps have you ever taken to conquer anger? Share with the class.

CONCLUSION: God has given us the Spirit of self-control (Galatians 5:23a), so, our anger can be managed when we work at it and ask God for help. Control anger before it ruins you.

QUESTIONS

* Identify four triggers of anger.

* Mention three ways to subdue anger.

FURTHER READING: SUN: Jam.3:2; MON: Ps.39:1; TUE: Col.3:5; WED: Rom.8:13; THUR: Rom.12:2; FRI: 1Pet.4:11; SAT: Eph.4:7.

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five (5) instances in which you exercised control over anger and God was glorified. (2X5=10 Marks)