"When Seventh-day Adventists move into cities where there is already a large church of believers, they are out of place, and their spirituality becomes weaker and weaker. Their children are exposed to many temptations. My brother, my sister, unless you are absolutely needed in carrying forward the work in such a place, it would be wise for you to go to some place where the truth has not yet been proclaimed, and there strive to give proof of your ability to work for the Master. Make earnest efforts to arouse an interest in present truth. House-to- house work is effectual when conducted in a Christlike manner. Hold meetings, and be sure to make them interesting. Remember that this requires something more than preaching. 8T 82.2"
"Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;"
The EGW passage discusses the need for workers to go to places where the truth hasn't been proclaimed, echoing the sentiment in Matthew 9:37 about the harvest being plentiful but the laborers being few. Both emphasize the need for more workers in spreading the message.
"Many who have lived so long in one place are spending their time criticizing those who are working in Christ's lines to convict and convert sinners. They criticize the motives and intentions of others, as if it were not possible for anyone else to do the unselfish work they themselves refuse to do. They are stumbling blocks. If they would go to places where there are no believers, and work to win souls to Christ, they would soon be so busy proclaiming the truth and helping the suffering that they would have no time to dissect character, no time to surmise evil and then report the results of their supposed keenness in seeing beneath the surface. 8T 82.3"
"Judge not, that ye be not judged."
The EGW passage directly addresses the issue of judging others and criticizing their motives, which is the core principle of Matthew 7:1. The passage elaborates on the negative consequences of judging and encourages focusing on one's own work instead.
"But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another."
The EGW passage describes people criticizing and dissecting each other's character, which aligns with the warning in Galatians 5:15 about biting and devouring one another. Both passages address the destructive nature of internal conflict and criticism within a community.