"Many will allow a brother or a neighbor to struggle unaided under adverse circumstances. Because they profess to be Christians he may be led to think that in their cold selfishness they are representing Christ. Because the Lord's professed servants are not in co-operation with Him, the love of God, which should flow forth from them, is in great degree cut off from their fellow men. And a large revenue of praise and thanksgiving from human hearts and human lips is prevented from flowing back to God. He is robbed of the glory due to His holy name. He is robbed of the souls for whom Christ died, souls whom He longs to bring into His kingdom to dwell in His presence through endless ages. COL 383.1"
"But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?"
Both passages address the importance of showing compassion and helping those in need. 1 John 3:17 questions how the love of God can dwell in someone who sees a brother in need and withholds compassion, while the EGW passage discusses the consequences of Christians' selfishness and lack of cooperation with Christ in helping others.
"Divine truth exerts little influence upon the world, when it should exert much influence through our practice. The mere profession of religion abounds, but it has little weight. We may claim to be followers of Christ, we may claim to believe every truth in the word of God; but this will do our neighbor no good unless our belief is carried into our daily life. Our profession may be as high as heaven, but it will save neither ourselves nor our fellow men unless we are Christians. A right example will do more to benefit the world than all our profession. COL 383.2"
"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?"
Both passages emphasize the importance of actions and works over mere profession of faith. James 2:14 directly questions the value of faith without works, while the EGW passage asserts that a right example is more beneficial than mere profession.