"My brother, you are to be a representative of the mildness and patience and goodness of Christ. In your talks before the public, let your representations be after Christ's order. “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits.” [ James 3:17 .] Watch and pray, and subdue the harshness which at times breaks out in you. By the grace of Christ dwelling in you, your words may become sanctified. If your brethren do not act just as you think they should, do not meet them with harshness. The Lord has been grieved at times by your severe expressions. GW 164.1"
"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."
The EGW passage directly quotes James 3:17, making it an explicit allusion.
"For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:"
Both passages emphasize following Christ's example of mildness, patience, and goodness. EGW explicitly mentions being a representative of Christ's qualities, which aligns with the principle of following His steps.
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
Both passages discuss meekness and gentleness. Matthew 11:29 speaks of Jesus' meekness, and the EGW passage encourages the reader to embody the same qualities. However, the connection is not a direct allusion or principle, but rather a thematic similarity.
"Your will is to be yielded to the Lord's will. You need the help of the Lord Jesus. Let only words that are clean and pure and sanctified come from your lips; for as a minister of the gospel, your spirit and example will be followed by others. Be kind and tender to children at all times.... GW 164.2"
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."
Both passages emphasize the importance of pure and acceptable words. The EGW passage encourages clean and sanctified words, while Psalm 19:14 prays for acceptable words and meditations. This is a clear thematic parallel.
"Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."
The EGW passage states 'Your will is to be yielded to the Lord's will,' which directly reflects the principle of 'Thy will be done' in Matthew 6:10.
"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
Both passages emphasize the importance of being a good example in word and spirit. The EGW passage encourages a minister to be a good example, while 1 Timothy 4:12 urges Timothy to be an example to believers. This is a thematic parallel.
"You may reach God's ideal if you will resolve that self shall not be woven into your work. To know that you are striving in spirit and in works to be Christlike, will give you strength and comfort and courage. It is your privilege to become meek and lowly in heart; then angels of God will co-operate with you in your revival efforts. Christ died that His life might be lived in you, and in all who make Him their example. In the strength of your Redeemer you can reveal the character of Christ, and you can work in wisdom and in power to make the crooked places straight. GW 164.3"
"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."
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment of Galatians 2:20, emphasizing Christ living in the believer and the believer striving to be Christlike. The phrase 'Christ died that His life might be lived in you' is a clear parallel.
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
The EGW passage explicitly mentions becoming 'meek and lowly in heart,' which is a direct quote from Matthew 11:29. This is more than a thematic parallel; it's a direct reference.
"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
The EGW passage speaks of working 'in the strength of your Redeemer' to accomplish tasks, which aligns with the principle of Philippians 4:13, 'I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.' Both emphasize reliance on Christ's power.