"Teachers, Jesus is in your school every day. His great heart of infinite love is drawn out, not only for the best-behaved children, who have the most favorable surroundings, but for the children who have by inheritance objectionable traits of character. Even parents have not understood how much they are responsible for the qualities developed in their children, and they have not had the tenderness and wisdom to deal with them, whom they have made what they are. They have failed to trace back to the cause of the discouraging developments that are a trial to them. But Jesus looks upon these children with pity and love. He understands; for He reasons from cause to effect. CT 195.1"
"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
The EGW passage emphasizes Jesus' love and understanding for children, especially those with difficult traits, and his reasoning from cause to effect. This aligns thematically with Matthew 19:14, where Jesus welcomes children and says 'of such is the kingdom of heaven,' demonstrating his care and acceptance of them.
"Sharp words and continual censure bewilder the child, but do not reform him. Keep back the pettish word; keep your own spirit under discipline to Christ. Then you will learn to pity and to sympathize with those who are brought under your influence. Do not show impatience or harshness. If these children did not need educating, they would not be in school. They are to be patiently, kindly helped up the ladder of progress, climbing step by step in obtaining knowledge. Take your stand by the side of Jesus. Possessing His attributes, you will be the possessor of keen, tender sensibilities and will make the cause of the erring your own. CT 195.2"
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."
The EGW passage advises against sharp words and continual censure, advocating for edifying communication and self-discipline. This directly reflects the principle in Ephesians 4:29, which encourages speaking that which is good for edifying and ministers grace.