"When he had carried his fellow-traveler to a place of safety, the truth flashed home to him that in saving his neighbor he had also saved himself. His earnest efforts to help another had quickened the blood that was freezing in his own veins, and sent a healthy warmth to the extremities of his body. GW 199.1"
"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."
The EGW passage illustrates the principle of reciprocity found in Luke 6:38. Giving help to others results in receiving help oneself, either directly or indirectly. The story serves as an example of the principle.
"The lesson that in helping others we ourselves receive help, must be urged upon young believers continually, by precept and example, that in their Christian experience they may gain the best results. Let the desponding ones, those disposed to think that the way to eternal life is trying and difficult, go to work to help others. Such efforts, united with prayer for divine light, will cause their own hearts to throb with the quickening influence of the grace of God, their own affections to glow with more divine fervor. Their whole Christian life will be more of a reality, more earnest, more prayerful. GW 199.2"
"Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give."
The EGW passage echoes the sentiment of Matthew 10:8, emphasizing the benefit to the giver when freely giving to others. Both passages highlight the reciprocal nature of service and blessing.
"Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins."
The EGW passage aligns with James 5:20 in that helping others, particularly in their spiritual journey, brings benefits to the helper. While James focuses on converting sinners, EGW broadens it to helping others in general, but the underlying principle of reciprocal benefit remains.
"Let us remember that we are pilgrims and strangers on this earth, seeking a better country, even a heavenly. Those who have united with the Lord in the covenant of service are under bonds to co-operate with Him in the work of soul-saving. GW 199.3"
"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth."
The EGW passage directly alludes to the concept of being 'pilgrims and strangers' and seeking a 'better country,' which is a clear reference to Hebrews 11:13. The language is very similar, making the connection undeniable.
"Let church-members during the week act their part faithfully, and on the Sabbath tell their experiences. The meeting will then be as meat in due season, bringing to all present new life and fresh vigor. When God's people see the great need of working as Christ worked for the conversion of sinners, the testimonies borne by them in the Sabbath services will be filled with power. With joy they will bear witness to the preciousness of the experience they have gained in working for others. GW 199.4"
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
The EGW passage connects the power of testimony with actively working for the conversion of sinners. This aligns with Acts 1:8, where the reception of the Holy Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses. The EGW passage suggests that actively engaging in ministry enhances the power and effectiveness of one's testimony.