And for those also who mourn in trial and sorrow there is comfort. The bitterness of grief and humiliation is better than the indulgences of sin. Through affliction God reveals to us the plague spots in our characters, that by His grace we may overcome our faults. Unknown chapters in regard to ourselves are opened to us, and the test comes, whether we will accept the reproof and the counsel of God. When brought into trial, we are not to fret and complain. We should not rebel, or worry ourselves out of the hand of Christ. We are to humble the soul before God. The ways of the Lord are obscure to him who desires to see things in a light pleasing to himself. They appear dark and joyless to our human nature. But God's ways are ways of mercy and the end is salvation. Elijah knew not what he was doing when in the desert he said that he had had enough of life, and prayed that he might die. The Lord in His mercy did not take him at his word. There was yet a great work for Elijah to do; and when…
"And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth."
Both passages discuss the benefits of trials and suffering as a form of divine chastening and correction. The EGW passage expands on the idea that affliction reveals flaws and leads to spiritual growth, echoing the sentiment in Hebrews 12:5-6.
"God's word for the sorrowing is, “I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.” “I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.” Isaiah 57:18 ; Jeremiah 31:13 . DA 301.2"
"I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners."
Ellen White directly references Isaiah 57:18 in this passage.
"Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow."
Ellen White directly references Jeremiah 31:13 in this passage.
"“Blessed are the meek.” The difficulties we have to encounter may be very much lessened by that meekness which hides itself in Christ. If we possess the humility of our Master, we shall rise above the slights, the rebuffs, the annoyances, to which we are daily exposed, and they will cease to cast a gloom over the spirit. The highest evidence of nobility in a Christian is self-control. He who under abuse or cruelty fails to maintain a calm and trustful spirit robs God of His right to reveal in him His own perfection of character. Lowliness of heart is the strength that gives victory to the followers of Christ; it is the token of their connection with the courts above. DA 301.3"
"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."
The EGW passage directly quotes and expands upon the meaning of "Blessed are the meek" from Matthew 5:5.
"Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:"
Both passages emphasize the importance of meekness and self-control, particularly in the face of mistreatment. The EGW passage connects meekness to hiding oneself in Christ and rising above annoyances, while 1 Peter 2:23 describes Jesus' example of not retaliating when reviled.
"“Though the Lord be high, yet hath He respect unto the lowly.” Psalm 138:6 . Those who reveal the meek and lowly spirit of Christ are tenderly regarded by God. They may be looked upon with scorn by the world, but they are of great value in His sight. Not only the wise, the great, the beneficent, will gain a passport to the heavenly courts; not only the busy worker, full of zeal and restless activity. No; the poor in spirit, who crave the presence of an abiding Christ, the humble in heart, whose highest ambition is to do God's will,—these will gain an abundant entrance. They will be among that number who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. “Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.” Revelation 7:15 . DA 301.4"
"Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off."
The EGW passage directly quotes Psalm 138:6 and elaborates on the idea that God respects the lowly.
"Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them."
Ellen White directly references Revelation 7:15 in this passage.