Caring for our Own Poor We are commanded to “do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10 . In our benevolent work special help should be given to those who, through the presentation of the truth, are convicted and converted. We must have a care for those who have the moral courage to accept the truth, who lose their situations in consequence, and are refused work by which to support their families. Provision should be made to aid the worthy poor and to furnish employment for those who love God and keep His commandments. They should not be left without help, to feel that they are forced to work on the Sabbath or starve. Those who take their position on the Lord's side are to see in Seventh-day Adventists a warmhearted, self-denying, self-sacrificing people, who cheerfully and gladly minister to their brethren in need. It is of this class especially that the Lord speaks when He says: “Bring the poor that are cast out to thy house.” Isaiah…
"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."
Ellen White directly references Galatians 6:10 in this passage.
"Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?"
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 58:7 in this passage.
"A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;"
Both passages discuss the qualifications of church leaders. EGW expands on the qualities mentioned in 1 Timothy 3:2, emphasizing conversion and the ability to teach and minister.
"Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business."
Both passages discuss the selection of church leaders based on specific qualities. Acts 6:3 focuses on honesty, being full of the Holy Ghost, and wisdom, while EGW emphasizes conversion and the ability to instruct and minister. There is a clear thematic overlap in the need for qualified individuals.
"Never allow the interest to flag. Devise methods that will bring a deep and living interest into the new churches. All connected with the church should feel an individual responsibility. All should work to the utmost of their ability to strengthen the church and make the meetings so full of life that outsiders will be attracted and interested. All should feel it a sin to let the interest wane when we have such sacred, solemn truths from the living oracles to repeat over and over again. Impress upon all the necessity of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the sanctification of the members of the church, so that they will be living, growing, fruit-bearing trees of the Lord's planting. 6T 85.3"
"Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;"
Both passages encourage diligence and fervor in serving the Lord. EGW's passage emphasizes maintaining interest and individual responsibility within the church, while Romans 12:11 encourages not being slothful and being fervent in spirit. The core idea of active and enthusiastic service connects the two.
"But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."
EGW's statement about the necessity of the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the sanctification of members aligns with the principle in 1 Corinthians 12:7, which states that the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. Both passages highlight the importance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers and its role in benefiting the community.