I understand you're looking for a statement from Ellen White about being kind to nonbelievers because this life is all they'll have.
However, **I cannot find that specific teaching in the provided documents or in Ellen White's writings generally**. This concept actually contradicts Ellen White's core theological understanding.
Throughout her writings, she consistently emphasized that salvation is available to **all people** - believers and nonbelievers alike - through faith in Christ. She repeatedly quoted
John 3:16, emphasizing that "whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (
1SAT 151.1). She stressed that this invitation is not limited to one now and then in one hundred or one thousandbut extends to everyone who believes (
1SAT 151.1). Ellen White's writings show that she viewed unbelievers not as people without hope, but as people who still have the opportunity to accept Christ and gain eternal life. Her counsel consistently urged the church to evangelize and share the gospel with those who don't yet believe, precisely because they **can** have eternal life through Christ.
While Ellen White certainly taught Christians to show kindness and live unselfishly for others - "All must live the unselfish life of the Master for others" (
LS 473.4) - this was motivated by the desire to be "a light in the world, a blessing to those with whom he may associate" (
LS 473.4), not because unbelievers have no hope of eternal life. If you remember more details about where you might have seen this statement, I'd be happy to help you locate it. It's possible you're thinking of a statement from another author or a misremembered paraphrase of something Ellen White wrote about compassion and service. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:**
• What did Ellen White teach about the availability of salvation to all people?
• How did she counsel Christians to relate to and serve unbelievers?
• What was her understanding of evangelism and sharing the gospel with those who don't yet believe?