SORRY: Playing with Revenge
November 23, 2008
Opening
This game is a little different. There is no way to win at the game of revenge and anger. Where as we want to play and win our other games- pursuing meaning, sex and money- we don’t want to play this game. We want to walk away from the table.
Share with the group your questions or personal struggles with revenge and anger. Have you ever sought revenge? What was the result? Have you held onto anger? How did that affect you? How did that affect those with whom you were angry? How did it affect other people in your life?
Digging Deeper
The bible talks a lot about this game of revenge and anger.
Read Ephesians 4: 25-32.
Review what this teaches us about anger and discuss:
Is anger a natural human emotion? Is it ever all right to be angry? In what ways or under what circumstances? What does it mean to command, “In your anger do not sin”?
What do you do with your anger: do you bottle it up, or spit it out? How can both be dangerous? Is there a better way to deal with it?
“A fool gives full vent to his anger but a wise person keeps himself under control (Proverbs 29:11).”
Why is it so important to not let the sun go down on a season of anger? Did you have a season of anger in your life? Has it crept into following seasons?
In the end the command is direct- “get rid of it.” It’s also understood in terms of Christ’s forgiveness. Why is it so vital to always view our lives, our emotions, and our relationships in light of Christ? How should the forgiveness we have in Christ guide the forgiveness we offer others?
If you have time: read Romans 12:17-21.
This is more directly related to the area of revenge, Discuss this rather difficult passage- “do not take revenge but leave room for God’s wrath.” Will God take revenge? Will He avenge? What will He avenge?
Closing
If the command is to get rid of it, let’s make sure we do just that. Within the comfort level of the group take time to share the following:
First, identify those with whom you are angry or seek revenge.
Second, identify why you want revenge or hold a grudge. What did they do to you or take from you?
Third, just get rid of it. If this means you’ll need to make a call, make the call. If it means you need to leave it before God, leave it with him. But whatever you do, don’t let the sun go down on another season of your life playing this game of revenge!
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