GROW IN FAITH 8 – Anger and Peace

Guarding the Heart

Opening Prayer

Lord,
You know our hearts.
Help us grow in patience.
Teach us how to let go of anger
and live in peace.
Amen.

Part One

Feeling Angry

Everyone feels angry sometimes.

Children feel angry.
Adults feel angry.

Anger itself is not always wrong.

Sometimes anger tells us
that something is unfair
or that someone has been hurt.

But anger can grow quickly.

It can move from a feeling
to harsh words
to unkind actions.

If we hold onto anger,
it can harden the heart.

Scripture

“Be angry, and sin not.
Let not the sun go down upon your anger.”
(Ephesians 4:26)

Think and Discuss

What usually makes you feel angry?

What happens inside you when you are upset?

What happens if anger lasts a long time?

Is it easy or difficult to forgive?

Listen without correcting too quickly.

Part Two

What Anger Can Do

Anger becomes dangerous
when we feed it.

We replay what happened.
We imagine what we wish we had said.
We refuse to forgive.

Slowly, anger turns into bitterness.

Bitterness steals peace.

It affects how we speak.
It affects how we see others.
It can even affect how we pray.

God does not ask us to pretend we are never upset.

He asks us not to let anger rule us.

Peace begins when we choose to forgive.

Guidance for Adults

Distinguish clearly between feeling anger and choosing to act from anger.
Model quick reconciliation.
Children learn peace by watching it practised.

Part Three

Choosing Peace

Peace does not mean ignoring problems.

Peace means responding with patience.

When we feel anger rising,
we can:

Pause before speaking.

Take a breath.

Pray quietly.

Walk away for a moment.

Forgiveness is not weakness.

It is strength.

It frees the heart.

If we forgive quickly,
anger does not grow deep roots.

God’s grace helps us
let go of what hurts.

Peace grows through small choices.

Quiet Reflection

Sit quietly for a moment.

Think of someone who has upset you.

In your heart say:

“Lord, help me forgive.”

Remain silent together.

Practise This Week

Choose one:

• Make peace before going to bed each day.
• When angry, count slowly to ten before speaking.
• Pray for someone who has annoyed you.
• Apologise quickly if you speak harshly.

Choose one and keep it steady.

Optional Response

Choose one:

Memory
Repeat slowly:
“Let not the sun go down upon your anger.”
Say it three times with attention.

Action
Clench your fist tightly for five seconds.
Then slowly open your hand.
Notice the difference.
Say: “I choose peace.”

Closing Prayer

Lord,
You are patient and gentle.
Help us guard our hearts.
Teach us to forgive quickly
and to live in peace.
Amen.