"Love is the basis of godliness. Whatever the profession, no man has pure love to God unless he has unselfish love for his brother. But we can never come into possession of this spirit by trying to love others. What is needed is the love of Christ in the heart. When self is merged in Christ, love springs forth spontaneously. The completeness of Christian character is attained when the impulse to help and bless others springs constantly from within—when the sunshine of heaven fills the heart and is revealed in the countenance. COL 384.2"
"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?"
The EGW passage directly echoes and expands upon the principle stated in 1 John 4:20, emphasizing the connection between love for God and love for one's brother.
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
Both passages discuss the idea of Christ living within the believer and the transformation that results. EGW's statement about self being merged in Christ aligns with Paul's declaration of being crucified with Christ and Christ living in him.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Both passages connect inner transformation with outward actions that reflect God's character. EGW speaks of the 'sunshine of heaven' being revealed in the countenance, while Matthew 5:16 speaks of letting your light shine through good works.
"It is not possible for the heart in which Christ abides to be destitute of love. If we love God because He first loved us, we shall love all for whom Christ died. We cannot come in touch with divinity without coming in touch with humanity; for in Him who sits upon the throne of the universe, divinity and humanity are combined. Connected with Christ, we are connected with our fellow men by the golden links of the chain of love. Then the pity and compassion of Christ will be manifest in our life. We shall not wait to have the needy and unfortunate brought to us. We shall not need to be entreated to feel for the woes of others. It will be as natural for us to minister to the needy and suffering as it was for Christ to go about doing good. COL 384.3"
"We love him, because he first loved us."
EGW directly quotes and builds upon the idea presented in 1 John 4:19, that our love for God is a response to His prior love for us.
"And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also."
The EGW passage directly reinforces the commandment stated in 1 John 4:21, linking love for God with love for one's brother.
"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
Both passages connect love for God with love for humanity and service to others. EGW expands on the implications of Christ's love abiding in the heart, leading to natural compassion and ministry, echoing the principle of serving Christ by serving others in Matthew 25:40.