Anger Without Sin     
     
   When we began blogging almost five years ago, we expected some - maybe a lot - of negative feedback. Check online for examples in other articles and blogs. Some are mean and petty; other responses seem intended to make someone look smarter than the writer.

   It's easy to be a wise guy when discourse is not face to face.

   Probably because most Views By the Sea readers know me personally, and know they are wiser ... they/you see nothing to gain by insulting me, not that you would. 
Ha ha. 😏 

   Does God allow, expect, his people to get angry? The Bible seems to say, yes, but only until sundown. And not so angry that we commit sinful behavior.

   Joe Belz in WORLD magazine offers five guidelines:

1. No "he hit me first" excuses

   Our task is always to respond to evil in a Biblical manner.

2. Facts first, then opinion   
   As a former journalist, I like this one. Biblical truth is gold. Otherwise, there are "truths" we may or may not fully understand. Part of wisdom is knowing that we don't know everything.

   Belz says it gets dangerous when we can't discern which category we're thinking in; facts and opinions become interchangeable. An eye witness account is better if we want others to consider our opinions. 

3. Lowered voices  
   Quiet power is impressive. That means hard work, but it's more persuasive. 

   In our home owners association, the loudest voices seem to get more attention, but that's no proof of right. 

Tomorrow: Guidelines 4 and 5

      Jimmy