According to Ellen White, knowing God's will involves several key steps: 1. Surrender and Earnestness: God reveals His will to those who are truly earnest and anxious to be guided. It is important to make it your sincere desire to know and do God's will, rather than simply following your own inclinations (3T 466.4; 4T 53.3). 2. Submission and Prayer: When seeking God's will, we should pray with earnestness but also with a spirit of submission, saying, "Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done," just as Jesus did (MH 230.1; GW 218.1). 3. Study of God’s Word: The primary way to know God's will is through studying the Bible. The knowledge of God and His will is found in His written word, and this is essential for true understanding (8T 63; CE 84.1). 4. Obedience and Practice: As you act on the duties and truths already made clear to you, God will reveal more. Obedience to what you already know is key to understanding further guidance (SC 111.2; 5T 644.1). 5. Guidance and Consecration: By choosing to serve God and surrendering your will to Him, He will work in you to accomplish His good pleasure, bringing your whole life under Christ’s control (MH 176.2). 6. Humility and Growth: Those who walk in humble obedience and fulfill God’s purpose will continue to grow in their understanding of His will (MH 465.2). In summary, Ellen White teaches that knowing God’s will is a process involving earnest seeking, surrender, prayer, Bible study, obedience, and a humble, consecrated life. God’s will becomes clearer as you act on the light you have and continue to seek Him sincerely. References: - Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 466.4; vol. 4, p. 53.3 - Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 230.1; Gospel Workers, p. 218.1 - Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 63 - Ellen G. White, Christian Education, p. 84.1 - Ellen G. White, Steps to Christ, p. 111.2 - Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 644.1 - Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 176.2, p. 465.2 If you would like more specific guidance or examples, please let me know!

Sí, Ellen White relaciona la higiene con la mente y la voluntad de Dios. Aquí tienes citas relevantes con el texto de apoyo: 1. Salud física y mental para comprender la voluntad de Dios: - “Dios requiere que todos los que creen la verdad hagan esfuerzos especiales y perseverantes para colocarse en la mejor condición posible de salud corporal, porque una obra solemne e importante está delante de nosotros. Se requiere salud de cuerpo y mente para esta obra; es tan esencial para una experiencia religiosa saludable, para el avance en la vida cristiana y el progreso en la santidad, como lo es la mano o el pie para el cuerpo humano. Dios requiere que su pueblo se limpie de toda inmundicia de la carne y del espíritu, perfeccionando la santidad en el temor del Señor.” (1T 618.3) 2. La higiene y la mente: - “Todos deben hacer lo que puedan para conservar cuerpos sanos y mentes sanas. Si complacen un apetito grosero, y al hacerlo embotan sus sensibilidades y oscurecen sus facultades perceptivas de modo que no puedan apreciar el carácter exaltado de Dios, ni deleitarse en el estudio de su Palabra, pueden estar seguros de que Dios no aceptará su ofrenda indigna más pronto que la de Caín. Dios requiere que se limpien de toda inmundicia de la carne y del espíritu, perfeccionando la santidad en el temor del Señor.” (4aSG 148.1) 3. La higiene y la pureza mental: - “El deber de la limpieza personal fue enseñado de la manera más impresionante... No se debía tolerar ninguna impureza en la presencia de Dios.” (MH 279) - “Mientras se les entrena en hábitos de limpieza física, debemos enseñarles que Dios desea que sean limpios de corazón así como de cuerpo... La gracia de Dios debe barrer las cámaras de la mente, y cada elemento de la naturaleza debe ser purificado y vitalizado por el Espíritu de Dios.” (6T 170.2) 4. La higiene y la educación de la mente: - “Los que entienden la fisiología y la higiene encontrarán en su labor ministerial un medio para iluminar a otros respecto al tratamiento adecuado e inteligente de las facultades físicas, mentales y morales.” (6T 302.1) En resumen: Ellen White enseña que la higiene y la salud física están directamente relacionadas con la salud mental y la capacidad de comprender y hacer la voluntad de Dios. La limpieza y el cuidado del cuerpo ayudan a mantener la mente clara y receptiva a la influencia divina. Referencias: - Ellen G. White, Testimonios para la Iglesia, tomo 1, p. 618.3 - Ellen G. White, Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4a, p. 148.1 - Ellen G. White, El Ministerio de Curación, p. 279 - Ellen G. White, Testimonios para la Iglesia, tomo 6, pp. 170.2, 302.1 Si necesitas las citas completas o más ejemplos, házmelo saber.

No, no hay solo una cita. Hay varias citas en los escritos de Elena de White donde se relaciona la higiene con la mente y la vida espiritual. Aquí tienes las principales, con el texto de apoyo: 1. Relación entre salud física, mental y la voluntad de Dios: - “Dios requiere que todos los que creen la verdad hagan esfuerzos especiales y perseverantes para colocarse en la mejor condición posible de salud corporal, porque una obra solemne e importante está delante de nosotros. Se requiere salud de cuerpo y mente para esta obra; es tan esencial para una experiencia religiosa saludable, para el avance en la vida cristiana y el progreso en la santidad, como lo es la mano o el pie para el cuerpo humano. Dios requiere que su pueblo se limpie de toda inmundicia de la carne y del espíritu, perfeccionando la santidad en el temor del Señor.” (1T 618.3) 2. Higiene y mente: - “Todos deben hacer lo que puedan para conservar cuerpos sanos y mentes sanas. Si complacen un apetito grosero, y al hacerlo embotan sus sensibilidades y oscurecen sus facultades perceptivas de modo que no puedan apreciar el carácter exaltado de Dios, ni deleitarse en el estudio de su Palabra, pueden estar seguros de que Dios no aceptará su ofrenda indigna más pronto que la de Caín. Dios requiere que se limpien de toda inmundicia de la carne y del espíritu, perfeccionando la santidad en el temor del Señor.” (4aSG 148.1) 3. Higiene y pureza mental: - “El deber de la limpieza personal fue enseñado de la manera más impresionante... No se debía tolerar ninguna impureza en la presencia de Dios.” (MH 279) - “Mientras se les entrena en hábitos de limpieza física, debemos enseñarles que Dios desea que sean limpios de corazón así como de cuerpo... La gracia de Dios debe barrer las cámaras de la mente, y cada elemento de la naturaleza debe ser purificado y vitalizado por el Espíritu de Dios.” (6T 170.2) 4. Higiene y educación de la mente: - “Los que entienden la fisiología y la higiene encontrarán en su labor ministerial un medio para iluminar a otros respecto al tratamiento adecuado e inteligente de las facultades físicas, mentales y morales.” (6T 302.1) Por lo tanto, hay varias citas donde Elena de White relaciona la higiene con la mente y la vida espiritual, no solo una. ¿Te gustaría que te muestre alguna de estas citas en su contexto completo? Referencias: - Ellen G. White, Testimonios para la Iglesia, tomo 1, p. 618.3 - Ellen G. White, Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4a, p. 148.1 - Ellen G. White, El Ministerio de Curación, p. 279 - Ellen G. White, Testimonios para la Iglesia, tomo 6, pp. 170.2, 302.1

This is a very difficult and painful question. Ellen White’s writings provide principles that can offer guidance in such complex situations. While she upholds the biblical commandment to honor parents, she places it within the context of our primary duty to God, emphasizing safety, spiritual well-being, and the nature of true honor. Here are key principles from her writings on how to navigate this: ### 1. Your First Duty is to God Ellen White is very clear that our allegiance to God comes before any earthly relationship, including family. Honoring a parent does not mean obeying commands or submitting to behavior that is contrary to God's will. Abuse and violence are contrary to God's will. * **God’s Authority is Supreme:** “The Saviour has shown us that our duty to our kindred is not to be measured by our affection for them. Our love for them and our duty to them must be measured by the will of God… Our first duty is to God.” (The Signs of the Times, July 21, 1881) * **Disobedience to Sinful Commands:** “When the commands of parents conflict with the commands of Christ, we are to obey God, and trust the consequences with Him.” (The Adventist Home, 179.2) This principle establishes that you are not required to endure abuse in the name of "honor." Protecting your physical, mental, and spiritual safety is in harmony with your duty to God. ### 2. The Nature of True Honor Honoring an abusive parent cannot mean the same thing as honoring a loving and supportive parent. In this context, honor is more about your own character and attitude before God, rather than enabling or accepting their harmful behavior. * **Forgiveness:** The foundation of honoring someone who has wronged you is forgiveness. This is not for their benefit, but for yours, to free you from bitterness and resentment. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting, condoning the abuse, or even reconciling. It is a decision to release the person from the debt you feel they owe you. * “We are not to think that unless those who have injured us confess the wrong, we are justified in withholding from them our forgiveness. It is their part, no doubt, to humble their hearts by repentance and confession; but we are to have a spirit of compassion toward those who have trespassed against us, whether or not they confess their faults.” (Steps to Christ, 113.1) * **Prayer:** You can honor them by praying for their repentance, healing, and salvation. This is an act of love and fulfills the command to pray for those who have hurt you. * **Speaking Respectfully:** Honor can be shown by refraining from public slander or speaking evil of them. While it is appropriate to seek help and speak truthfully about the abuse in safe contexts (like with a counselor or pastor), the goal is not to dishonor them but to seek healing and protection. ### 3. Setting Boundaries is Essential Honoring a parent does not require you to remain in a dangerous or destructive environment. In cases of abuse and violence, creating physical and emotional distance is often the most responsible and even loving thing to do—for both you and the parent. * **Separating from Wrong Influences:** Ellen White consistently advises separating from influences that would harm one's character or well-being. * “It is the duty of every child of God to inquire, ‘What is the influence that I am exerting?’… If you have in any way given encouragement to sin, have walked in the society of the vain, have trifled with sacred things, repent before God.” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, 33.1). The principle of separating from harmful influences applies directly to abusive family members. ### Summary of Practical Steps: Based on these principles, honoring an abusive and violent parent involves: 1. **Prioritizing Safety:** Remove yourself from the abusive situation. Your well-being is a gift from God that you have a duty to protect. 2. **Practicing Forgiveness:** Work toward forgiving them in your heart, releasing the bitterness and desire for revenge. This is a process that often requires prayer and support. 3. **Maintaining Healthy Boundaries:** Limit or cease contact as necessary for your safety and mental health. You are not obligated to maintain a close relationship with someone who is actively harming you. 4. **Praying for Them:** Consistently pray for their change of heart and salvation. 5. **Living an Honorable Life:** The greatest honor you can give is to live a life that reflects the character of God, breaking the cycle of abuse and violence. In short, you can fulfill the spirit of the fifth commandment by showing forgiveness, praying for your parent, and living a godly life, while taking the necessary steps to ensure your own safety and well-being. You honor God by refusing to participate in or be a victim of a destructive and sinful dynamic.

Of course. Here is a definition of joy based on the writings of Ellen White. According to Ellen White, joy is not a fleeting emotion based on circumstances, like happiness, but a deep, abiding principle and a fruit of the Spirit that comes directly from a relationship with Jesus Christ. ### 1. The Source of Joy is Christ True joy is found in communion with God and is a gift from Him, not something that can be found in worldly pleasures or favorable circumstances. * **A Gift from Christ:** "Joy is a fruit of the Spirit; and 'the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.' This joy is the result of our believing in Jesus, and knowing that He is our personal Saviour." (The Youth's Instructor, January 1, 1894) * **Independent of Circumstances:** "The joy that is in Christ is a deep, full, and abiding joy. It is not dependent on circumstances; it does not vary with the changing scenes of life. It is a joy that lives in the heart, and that no outward circumstances can affect." (The Review and Herald, August 4, 1896) * **Communion with God:** "True joy is found in communion with God. Those who walk with God have a peace that passeth all understanding, and a joy that is unspeakable and full of glory." (The Signs of the Times, March 16, 1882) ### 2. Joy vs. Happiness She makes a clear distinction between joy and happiness. Happiness is often superficial and dependent on external factors, while joy is a state of the soul. * "There is a distinction between happiness and joy. Happiness is the result of favoring circumstances, and is often a superficial feeling. Joy is a principle, deep and abiding. The soul may be joyful in God, even while passing through trial and affliction." (The Signs of the Times, October 26, 1882) ### 3. Joy in the Midst of Trials Because true joy comes from God, it can coexist with sorrow and hardship. It is a strength that sustains believers through difficult times. * "The Christian's joy is not the joy of the worldling. It is a joy that is found in tribulation, a joy that is born of the Spirit of God. The apostle Paul says, 'As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing.' This is the experience of the true child of God." (The Review and Herald, June 29, 1897) * "The joy of the Lord is your strength. This joy is not to be found in the world; it is found only in Christ. It is the result of a living connection with God." (Gospel Workers, 259.2) ### 4. Joy Through Obedience and Service Joy is also the result of living in harmony with God's will and serving others. * "There is joy in obedience. When we walk in the path of God's commandments, we have the assurance that we are pleasing Him. This brings a peace and satisfaction that the world cannot give." (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, 58.2) * "The joy of Christ is the joy of seeing souls saved. This was the joy that sustained Him in His life of sacrifice and suffering. And this is the joy that His followers are to share with Him." (The Desire of Ages, 652.2) **In summary,** Ellen White defines joy as a divine principle and a fruit of the Spirit, originating from a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is an abiding peace and strength that is independent of external circumstances, can coexist with sorrow, and is found in a life of faith, obedience, and service to others.