Thank you for your letter that came today. I don’t think you should send that circular letter to Father, since it contains reprimands, which I was witness to. It could hurt him, and the effect would be the opposite of what was intended.

In the military, it is considered to be a much more severe punishment when a reprimand is given in the presence of others than when it is given privately. Father’s perception would be that we were both ganging up on him.

You know that a person who is in their sixties can easily be hurt—especially by his own children. Personally, I have always had a reputation for being harsh. I have heard it so often now that it has become natural for me to think that I actually am harsh. So, it’s a pleasure, for once, to suggest gentleness.

I have torn up many letters after they’ve been critiqued by Pauline. We need counsel, because in our zeal for the truth, we are often in danger of doing things that can cause long-term damage.

Dec. 21:

Cadet Aslaksen came by yesterday to say good-bye. He was going to travel home at 5:00 p.m. today. Br. Aslaksen is making progress, but he needs to be together with God’s people so he can benefit from the mutual help found there.

Circular letters are appropriate when all the recipients are on equal footing, but not when they contain a direct rebuke for one of the recipients. Paul sent letters with general teaching and exhortations to be read in a number of the churches. But in this case, I believe it would be hard for Father to receive it in such a way that he could take it to heart as a guideline. And if he does not do that, the purpose will not have been accomplished. He might get offended, and that would be even worse.

Christmas is only a few days away, and I think it would be best to keep the letter here until then. You can decide later if you want to send it out.

Personally, I have found that I am never closer to making mistakes as when I am most zealous for the truth. For that very reason, God has stopped me many times. There is a zeal for God that must be harnessed and allowed to produce longsuffering and patience in us. This zeal should have been directed outwardly, but since it cannot be received, it works in us as a consuming fire; i.e., “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.”

Just a few quick words.

Warm greetings from your brother,

Pauline would like you to let us know when you are coming.