I understand that you have determined in your heart not to write to me. However, I still want to write a few lines to you in the name and power of Christ. For if I have made you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the one who was made sorrowful by me? But my intention wasn’t to make anyone sorrowful, and it is the motive that should be judged if the judgment is to be righteous. At work we have a lawyer who is an expert in law and legal matters. He explained to us that motive and intent are key considerations when a criminal is to be tried. If the criminal did not willfully commit a crime, then they are acquitted. I’m not saying that I should be acquitted in this matter; unless, just as I am well known to God, I am also well known in your conscience. It has always been a joy for me to hear from you, and it will continue to be a joy in the future. But that joy is not greater than the truth itself; so I wouldn’t, on account of the truth, be able to sacrifice it. Because the truth of Christ has become so precious to me, every brother and sister who is of the truth has also become very precious to me. If my humility can promote fellowship in Christ Jesus, then I will joyfully humble myself, with all my heart, even in those areas where I have battled in the zeal of Christ for the furtherance of the truth. Not that this will be unto my honor before you all, but before God, who discerns the thoughts and intentions, even through judgment. So I hope that we will meet again in Christ Jesus—if not exactly at the point where we lost contact, at least somewhere within the promised land, where our faces must always be set toward Jerusalem.

We are also having a great number of difficulties here in Horten at the moment, but by the Spirit of judgment and burning everything will come into order. “A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead.” Prov. 21:16. We need to accept the fact that we will have battles in the congregation of the living, because without battles there can be no victory. God always teaches us something in the battle. Naturally, it is very peaceful in the assembly of the dead.

I just wanted to send you these few words in passing.

Hearty greetings to you with 1 Cor. 4:2 and, as a reminder, 1 Cor. 1:26-30.

Greet Br. Gerrard and Sr. Helga. Greetings also to Mother and Father and to the rest of the family.

Your brother, always sharing in judgment and liberation, sorrow and joy,