Screwtape XXVI-XXXI

XXVI

“They also know that the Enemy demands of them a degree of charity which, if attained, would result in similar actions.”

Screwtape makes a great point. True Christians have that natural force of being a servant to others, and in this quote Screwtape promotes the verse, Proverbs 19:17, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed”. In these letters, it is somewhat difficult to understand what true meaning Screwtape is teaching. However, I believe that this great quote should encourage Christians to pursue the commandment God wants them to follow. “‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”-Acts 20:35

XXVII

“Now that he is in love, a new idea of earthly happiness has arisen in his mind…”

This phrase really caught my attention; I think anyone who has either been in love or likes someone has had this feeling before. From having a burst of butterflies or that “spark” with that one special person, it makes an individual feel as if nothing could go wrong at that point because they’re so trapped and stuck in that love mode. People could look at life from that moment in time with no worries in the world, as if their problems or cares have been pushed aside. Screwtape couldn’t have worded the quote any better; but it should also remind us that God is love, and he blesses us with the people or partners in our lives.

XXVIII

“You will notice that the young are generally less unwilling to die than the middle-aged and the old.”

Mostly everyone in society is scared of death. However, Screwtape is true in this quote. Teenagers and young children want to enjoy their life at such a young age, and death is the last thought on their mind. Nevertheless, old people are afraid of death as well, but because of their old age and experience, they know that their time will come sooner and they tend to be more open to moving on into the spiritual life.

XXIX

“Hatred we can manage.”

A lot of times in life, people run into troubles or drama. The most noticeable time this occurs is in high school. Teenagers, manly girls, run into this problem quite often. Drama is one of their worst enemies. Most of time it’s overly dramatic; however, many girls feel as if their lives are over once this problem arises. Non-believers don’t have that love and instruction from God and end up having no sense of direction. Screwtape portrays a great thought; hatred can be overcome through time and God’s will. In difficult situations, one of my favorite verses I look to is Psalms 62:7, “My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.”

XXX

“Fatigue can produce extreme gentleness, and quiet of mind, and even something like vision.”

I believe this quote can relate to dreams. Dreams are “a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep. (Mac Dictionary)” Fatigue is one of the main leaders into dreaming, which causes people to have a vision or fantasy of a non-existent, imaginary world. Dreaming is a mystery to me. God amazes me in what he creates with our thoughts. One day, I hope to ask him what is the purpose of dreams.

XXXI

“The more one thinks about it, the worse it becomes.”

This phrase is relatable to all aspects of life. Many children may hear this quote from their parents. Whether it be getting a shot, trying a new food, or when it comes to homework; most times people over think things, which causes them to overreact as well. For example, all students can relate to this; when a project or essay is due they tend to worry and think about it too much, and instead of working they waste their time and energy on complaining. So instead of thinking and worrying, Christians should cast their cares upon the Lord. In Jeremiah 29:11, it reminds all Christians that God has a plan for a hopeful future for each of them.