"The Lord desires His followers to exercise great care in dealing with one another. They are to lift up, to restore, to heal. But there is to be in the church no neglect of proper discipline. The members are to regard themselves as pupils in a school, learning how to form characters worthy of their high calling. In the church here below, God's children are to be prepared for the great reunion in the church above. Those who here live in harmony with Christ may look forward to an endless life in the family of the redeemed. 7T 264.1"
"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."
The EGW passage directly reflects the principle of restoration and care within the church, as highlighted in Galatians 6:1. Both emphasize the importance of helping those who have fallen and maintaining a spirit of humility.
"***** God's love for the fallen race is a peculiar manifestation of love—a love born of mercy, for human beings are all undeserving. Mercy implies imperfection of the object toward which it is shown. It is because of sin that mercy was brought into active exercise. 7T 264.2"
"But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,"
Both passages emphasize God's love and mercy towards humanity. The EGW passage elaborates on the nature of this love as being born of mercy due to human imperfection, which aligns with the concept of God's rich mercy in Ephesians 2:4.
"***** It may be that much work needs to be done in your character building, that you are a rough stone, which must be squared and polished before it can fill a place in God's temple. You need not be surprised if with hammer and chisel God cuts away the sharp corners of your character until you are prepared to fill the place He has for you. No human being can accomplish this work. Only by God can it be done. And be assured that He will not strike one useless blow. His every blow is struck in love, for your eternal happiness. He knows your infirmities and works to restore, not to destroy. 7T 264.3"
"Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."
Both passages use the metaphor of stones being shaped for a building to represent spiritual growth and development. The EGW passage expands on this metaphor, describing God's role in shaping individuals for His purpose, which aligns with the idea of believers as 'lively stones' in 1 Peter 2:5.
"For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."
Both passages address the idea of God's loving discipline and correction. The EGW passage describes God's work in refining character, while Hebrews 12:6 speaks of God chastening those He loves. The connection lies in the shared theme of divine correction as an expression of love.