"manifest the true state of the heart. If the brethren in Ohio have this matter presented before them in its true bearing, and are left to decide for themselves, they will see wisdom and order in the tithing system. 1T 237.1"
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
The EGW passage connects the tithing system to the 'true state of the heart,' implying that one's attitude toward tithing reveals their priorities and values. This directly reflects the principle in Matthew 6:21, 'For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.' The act of tithing (giving treasure) reveals where one's heart is.
"Ministers should not be severe, and draw upon any one man, and press means from him. If he does not give just as much as another thinks he should, they are not to denounce him, and throw him overboard. They should be as patient and forbearing as the angels are. They should work in union with Jesus. Christ and angels are watching the development of character, and weighing moral worth. The Lord bears long with His erring people. The truth will be brought to bear closer and closer, and will cut off one idol after another, until God reigns supreme in the hearts of His consecrated people. I saw that God's people must bring to Him a freewill offering; and the responsibility should be left wholly upon the individual, whether he will give much or little. It will be faithfully recorded. Give the people of God time to develop character. 1T 237.2"
"Judge not, that ye be not judged."
The EGW passage directly addresses the issue of ministers judging and denouncing individuals based on their financial contributions. This aligns with the principle of not judging others, as stated in Matthew 7:1.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,"
The EGW passage emphasizes patience and forbearance, aligning directly with the fruit of the Spirit, particularly longsuffering and gentleness, mentioned in Galatians 5:22.
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,"
The EGW passage emphasizes patience, kindness, and avoiding harsh judgment, which directly aligns with the qualities of charity described in 1 Corinthians 13:4. The call for ministers to be patient and forbearing reflects the principle of love suffering long and being kind.
"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
Both passages emphasize God's patience and longsuffering towards His people. The EGW passage speaks of God bearing long with His erring people, while 2 Peter 3:9 highlights God's longsuffering and desire for all to come to repentance. The shared theme of divine patience makes this a valid connection.
"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
The EGW passage speaks of truth cutting off idols until God reigns supreme, which parallels the idea of the Word of God discerning the thoughts and intents of the heart and bringing about change. It's not a direct quote, but a thematic resonance.
"The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all."
Both passages deal with patience and forbearance, particularly in the context of financial obligations or shortcomings. The servant's plea for patience mirrors the call for ministers to be patient with those who may not give as much as others think they should.