"Since parents so rarely acquaint themselves with the teacher, it is the more important that the teacher seek the acquaintance of parents. He should visit the homes of his pupils and gain a knowledge of the influences and surroundings among which they live. By coming personally in touch with their homes and lives, he may strengthen the ties that bind him to his pupils and may learn how to deal more successfully with their different dispositions and temperaments. Ed 284.4"
"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 going beyond the basic requirements in caring for others. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 speaks of sharing one's soul, while EGW advocates for teachers to connect with students' homes and lives.
"Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds."
Both passages encourage a proactive approach to understanding and caring for those under one's charge. Proverbs 27:23 advises knowing the state of flocks and herds, while EGW suggests teachers should visit students' homes to understand their environment.
"As he interests himself in the home education, the teacher imparts a double benefit. Many parents, absorbed in work and care, lose sight of their opportunities to influence for good the lives of their children. The teacher can do much to arouse these parents to their possibilities and privileges. He will find others to whom the sense of their responsibility is a heavy burden, so anxious are they that their children shall become good and useful men and women. Often the teacher can assist these parents in bearing their burden, and, by counseling together, both teacher and parents will be encouraged and strengthened. Ed 284.5"
"Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
The EGW passage discusses teachers and parents helping each other with the burden of raising children, which aligns with the general theme of bearing one another's burdens in Galatians 6:2.