Session 3 – The Physiological Effects of Anger
Welcome
◼ We are all becoming something. Spiritual formation is happening even as we speak. The question is not if we are being formed, but what we are being formed into.
◼ Jesus’ way is better. He doesn’t just know how humans think. He knows how we thrive.
◼ Discuss:
o What is a key insight or takeaway from our last session together?
o On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate your stress level at about 3:00 p.m. on a typical day? Explain your response.
Video (Feel free to take notes)
◼ The stress that we experienced when we feel threatened is supposed to be a temporary thing.
o There are physiological changes that happen to our bodies when we feel threatened –elevated blook pressure, cortisol level spikes, increase in adrenaline, and the like. But these changes are supposed to last only thirty seconds or so and then be over.
o Human beings are the only creatures that hold on to these stressors, which leads to long-term consequences – weight gain, skin changes, heart problems, diabetes – down the line.
o Robert Sapolsky, a primate neuroendrocrinologist, concludes that we should be like the animals and not get stressed out about things that might happen to us.
Notes:
◼ There are physical and relational benefits to quickly getting rid of anger.
o We become a kind of caricature as we grow older. If we hold on to peace, we are seen as peaceful. If we hold on to anger, we are seen as bitter and angry.
o This is why it is important now for us to change our lives and become different kinds of people – to actually let people off the hook in light of what God has done for us.
Notes:
◼ The issue of letting go of anger is centrally about trusting in God.
o Most of the anger and anxiety we hold onto boils down to an issue of not trusting God.
o A better way to live is to trust that God will deliver us and will execute his justice.
o If we trust in God as the “driver” of our lives, we don’t have to worry about where we are going.
Notes:
◼ Life becomes much easier when we choose not to be offended by people who are broken.
o Much like Aibileen said to Miss Hilly in the movie The Help, it’s just tiring to continue holding on to our self-righteousness. It such a relief to just trust God and let it go.
o Instead of reacting in anger when someone is being rude or talking badly to us, we can return a kind word and actually ask God to bless the person.
o The Bible says that when we do this – respond to the person in kindness – our gentle answer will turn away both their wrath and our own wrath.
Notes:
◼ Discuss:
o We began this session with the statement that Jesus is the smartest man who ever lived. How do you respond to that thought? Why is the way Jesus showed us to live so genius?
o It’s easy to see the connection between anger and stress in people. Those who deal with a lot of anger and choose to hold onto it typically also feel very stressed. What are some ways you have experience that connection between anger and stress, or stress and anger?
o As a reminder, the message of this study is that we should never get angry. Rather, it’s that we should stop holding on to anger – stop carrying it with us. How have you been impacted physically during seasons of high anger and/or stress?
o In the teaching, we also referenced a connection between anger and a lack of trust in God. When we don’t trust God, we are more likely to carry anger because of all the stuff happening we don’t like. How do we reverse that cycle and gain trust in God?
o One of the problems we have with anger is that it comes so naturally to us. When people treat us poorly, or when someone directs anger our way, it’s natural to respond in kind. Who in your life is a good model of responding to anger with kindness and compassion?
o Getting rid of anger is easier said than done, even when you understand the physical harm that anger can cause. When was a time that you were able to let go of anger? How were you ultimately able to let go of anger in that situation?
25 At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.26 Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.
27 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
o A yoke meant a rabbi’s teachings, his way of life that he expected his apprentices to follow. How would Jesus’ yoke produce rest and peace instead of stress and strain?
o What specific statements does Jesus make about himself in these verses?
o What are some of the reasons people feel weary and burdened in today’s world?
o How do these verses present ways to overcome the obstacle of not trusting God?
◼ If you are reading the book:
o Read chapters 11, 13, 15, and 16 before next week.