Screwtape: Chapter 3
Screwtape suggests manipulating the Patient's relationship with his mother...
Chapter 3
TL;DR
In Chapter 3, Screwtape advises Wormwood to manipulate the Patient's relationship with his mother to cause tension and distraction. He suggests encouraging the Patient to pray for vague, "spiritual" needs rather than specific needs, such as her physical health. Wormwood should instruct his patient to focus more on asking God to "correct" his mother's behavior while never considering his own.
Screwtape also encourages fostering annoyance through tone of voice and false assumptions—not major arguments but rather just subtle irritations over trivial things. By keeping both the Patient and his mother focused on each other's flaws, their spiritual growth can be stalled. Chapter 3 shows how even close relationships can be twisted into sources of frustration and sinful responses, and how even our prayer life is in danger if we're not spiritually alert.
"When you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." —Matthew 6:7-8
Discussion Questions
- Screwtape talks about using small annoyances and tone of voice to create tension between the Patient and his mother. Why do you think those little things can have such a big impact in family relationships?
- Galatians 5:22-23 lists love, patience, and self-control as fruits of the Spirit. How might practicing these in your home change the way you respond when you feel irritated or misunderstood by your family?
- Screwtape encourages vague, self-righteous prayers about the Patient's mother instead of honest, loving ones. How can your prayers for family members reflect the Fruit of the Spirit—especially kindness, gentleness, and faithfulness?
- Have you ever assumed the worst about someone's intentions, like the Patient does with his mother? How does the Holy Spirit help us respond differently when we feel hurt or annoyed?
- Why is it easier to focus on other people's faults instead of our own? How can growing in the Fruit of the Spirit help us take responsibility for our own actions and attitudes at home?
Join the discussion in the comments below or on our Discord server.
ALSO SEE:
- What does the Bible say about family?
- What is prayer?
- What is the fruit of the Holy Spirit?
- Is it wrong to be annoyed by people?
- What do I say when someone morally offends me?
- How can I stop taking offense at little things?
- How can I love a person if I don't even like them?
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Cat is the web producer and editor of 412teens.org. She is known as "412teens" on the 412teens Discord. She loves audiobooks, feeding the people she cares about, and using Christmas lights to illuminate a room. When Cat is not cooking, gardening, or practicing creativity, she enjoys spending time with her two adult kids, six socially-awkward cats, and her amazing friend-amily.
