When is anger appropriate and when might it be dangerous?

Thomas R. Valletta

“By arguments and accusations, some people bait us to leave the high ground. The high ground is where the light is. It’s where we see the first light of morning and the last light in the evening. It is the safe ground. It is true and where knowledge is. Sometimes others want us to come down off the high ground and join them in a theological scrum in the mud. These few contentious individuals are set on picking religious fights, online or in person. We are always better staying on the higher ground of mutual respect and love” (Hales, “Christian Courage,” 74).

How does Satan seek to decei ve “by degrees”? (47:18) Lehonti was poisoned by degrees. Why do you think Mormon described Lehonti’s death this way instead of simply saying he was poisoned? Have you ever noticed Satan attempting to spiritually “poison” you by degrees? “Satan … seeks to deceive us about right and wrong and persuade us that there is no such thing as sin. This detour typically starts off with what seems to be only a small departure: ‘Just try it once. One beer or one cigarette or one porno movie won’t hurt.’ What all of these departures have in common is that each of them is addictive. Addiction is a condition in which we surrender part of our power of choice” (Oaks, “Be Not Deceived,” 44).

The Book of Mormon Study Guide: Start to Finish

References