In this letter Screwtape continues to counsel Wormwood on the best way to use the war to align the patient with their side. The most important thing Screwtape would like to do is bring the patient to a place of maximum uncertainty. He would like the patient to be confused by both fear and hope. Screwtape even goes so far as to point out that God wants us to focus on what we do, the enemy wants us to focus on what might happen to us. How applicable this is to today, with our current state of economy. How often during these uncertain times do we worry so much about how much this might affect us, in oh so many various ways that we forget to consider that others may need our help too. I don't mean to imply that we completely forget our troubles, but to focus on what we can actually do to solve them, let go what we can not control and then look out to helping others in this time of need.
Screwtape would like the patient to consider his fears the cross that he must bear. He would like the patient to think that the fear is God's will. In our lives, when we're afraid we must remember Philippians 1:27-28 I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those that oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved, by God. 1 Peter 19 reminds us that when we suffer for God's will, we must commit ourselves to Him and continue to do good.
After emphasizing the importance of the allowing the patient to feel fear, Screwtape points out that no matter what there will be feelings of both benevolence and malice in the patients heart. Screwtape would like to direct the mailce towards those close to the patient, and the benevolence to those far away. I can see how this plays out in my own life. When I'm in a difficult situation and scared, it is so easy to lash out at those closest to me, even if they have nothing to do with the cause of my anxiety. Directing benevolence to those far from us, keeps it less real, and more fantasy. Acts of kindness or good works are much more tangible and felt more strongly when given to those around us as opposed to perhaps praying for those in a far off country, without any tangible acts being done.
A great list of discussion questions for students can be found here: http://www.lovetolearnplace.com/LitGuild/Screwtape/ScrewTape6.pdf
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