Ellen Chat Conversation

Ellen White’s writings provide a deep analysis of selfishness, identifying it as a fundamental spiritual ailment that stands in direct opposition to the character of God. She frequently categorized it not merely as a weakness, but as a core element of sin that must be overcome for spiritual growth. In her counsel, she explicitly identifies selfishness as a sin that requires repentance. She explained that "all selfishness, all pride, all self-exaltation, all unbelief and prejudice... are dangerous, and unless [these sins are] repented of, those who cherish these things will be left in darkness" (3SM 17.4). This teaching reflects her broader understanding that selfishness is the very "essence of depravity" (1MCP 30.3), causing individuals to center their lives on themselves rather than on God. She further emphasized the destructive nature of this trait by stating that "Selfishness is the root of all evil" (19MR 93.1). Because it hardens the heart and makes one inconsistent, she warned that "Selfishness is a deadly evil" (MYP 308.1) that separates the soul from God and prevents Him from bestowing His blessings. For practical application, Ellen White urged believers to seek a thorough internal cleansing. She wrote that those connected to God's service "must be purified from every thread of selfishness" (1SM 114). She encouraged individuals to "Empty the soul-temple of all selfishness" (21MR 303.2) and to cling to Jesus through faith, as this is the only way to resist the enemy and truly help others. Her wisdom on this topic reminds us that when "all selfishness is dead" (LDE 190) and rivalry is put away, the Holy Spirit can finally be poured out in full measure, leading to restoration and unity among God's people. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White say about the connection between selfishness and the "root of all evil"? • How does selfishness affect unity within the church according to her writings? • What practical steps did she recommend for "emptying the soul-temple" of self? --- 📚 **65 passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=%22all+selfishness)