Ellen Chat Conversation

Ellen White’s writings offer a deeply practical perspective on emotional regulation, viewing it as a vital discipline for both spiritual growth and healthy relationships. She emphasized that while emotions are a natural part of the human experience, they are not meant to be the primary guides for our behavior or our faith. In her counsel, she explained that "feelings are often deceiving, emotions are no sure safeguard; for they are variable and subject to external circumstances" (1MCP 126.2). Because our moods can fluctuate based on our surroundings, she encouraged a life built on a more stable foundation. She noted that {{UNVERIFIED_START}}"a selfish spirit overcome, a temptation to neglect duty resisted, passion subdued, and willing, cheerful obedience rendered to the will of Christ" {{UNVERIFIED_END}} {{WARNING}}Reference could not be verified{{WARNING_END}}are much stronger evidences of a spiritual life than "spasmodic piety and emotional religion" (1MCP 126.2). To achieve this stability, Ellen White highlighted the importance of the will and the use of reason. She advised that individuals should "hold your feelings with a firm will" and practice "thoughtful self-control" (DG 166.1). Rather than being "guided by every slight and momentary impulse," which can make a person appear "variable and inconstant," she urged that we should be "regulating your actions by reason and principle" (2T 325.2). This process of self-regulation is not just for personal peace; it is essential for those in leadership or parental roles. She cautioned that "before you engage in the work of teaching your children the lesson of self-control, you should learn it yourself" (CG 459.1). For practical application, this means recognizing that emotional outbursts often stem from a focus on self. Ellen White observed that "feelings fret terribly if things do not go according to your mind" (DG 166.1). By learning to be "self-sufficient and unselfish" and choosing to "regard others as well as yourself," a person can find the strength to maintain "the most perfect self-possession and self-control" (DG 166.1; HR June 1, 1880, par. 8). Her wisdom on this topic reminds us that the power of self-control is "one of the most valuable of equipments for grappling successfully with the stern duties and realities that await every human being" (Ed 206.3). By choosing principle over impulse, we create a more stable life for ourselves and a more positive influence on those around us. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • How does Ellen White describe the relationship between the will and self-control? • What specific advice did she give to parents about teaching children to regulate their passions? • In what ways do our words and looks affect the characters of those around us?