"In lines of recreation for the student the best results will be attained through the personal co-operation of the teacher. The true teacher can impart to his pupils few gifts so valuable as the gift of his own companionship. It is true of men and women, and how much more of youth and children, that only as we come in touch through sympathy can we understand them; and we need to understand in order most effectively to benefit. To strengthen the tie of sympathy between teacher and student there are few means that count so much as pleasant association together outside the schoolroom. In some schools the teacher is always with his pupils in their hours of recreation. He unites in their pursuits, accompanies them in their excursions, and seems to make himself one with them. Well would it be for our schools were this practice more generally followed. The sacrifice demanded of the teacher would be great, but he would reap a rich reward. Ed 212.1"
"So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us."
Both passages emphasize the importance of personal connection and imparting more than just knowledge or information. Paul's willingness to share his 'own soul' aligns with EGW's call for teachers to offer companionship and understanding.
"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
Both passages highlight the value of companionship and mutual influence. Proverbs 27:17 uses the metaphor of iron sharpening iron, while EGW emphasizes the importance of teacher-student interaction and the benefits of shared experiences outside the classroom.
"No recreation helpful only to themselves will prove so great a blessing to the children and youth as that which makes them helpful to others. Naturally enthusiastic and impressible, the young are quick to respond to suggestion. In planning for the culture of plants, let the teacher seek to awaken an interest in beautifying the school grounds and the schoolroom. A double benefit will result. That which the pupils seek to beautify they will be unwilling to have marred or defaced. A refined taste, a love of order, and a habit of care-taking will be encouraged; and the spirit of fellowship and co-operation developed will prove to the pupils a lifelong blessing. Ed 212.2"
"I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."
EGW's statement that 'No recreation helpful only to themselves will prove so great a blessing...as that which makes them helpful to others' directly reflects the principle of giving being more blessed than receiving, as stated in Acts 20:35.
"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 good works and positive actions with a broader impact. EGW speaks of beautifying the school and developing fellowship, while Matthew 5:16 speaks of letting your light shine through good works to glorify God. The underlying principle of positive influence is shared.