Entering into the Feelings of the Youth We should seek to enter into the feelings of the youth, sympathizing with them in their joys and sorrows, their conflicts and victories. Jesus did not remain in heaven, away from the sorrowing and sinful; He came down to this world, that He might become acquainted with the weakness, the suffering, and the temptations of the fallen race. He reached us where we were, that He might lift us up. In our work for the youth, we must meet them where they are, if we would help them. When youthful disciples are overcome by temptation, let not those older in experience deal with them harshly, or regard their efforts with indifference. Remember that you yourselves have often shown but little strength to resist the tempter's power. Be as patient with these lambs of the flock as you wish others to be with you. God has so constituted us that even the strongest desire sympathy. How much more, then, do children need it! Even a look of compassion will often soothe …
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."
Both passages emphasize the importance of empathy and understanding in ministering to others, drawing a parallel to Jesus's own approach to humanity. The EGW passage explicitly connects this to Hebrews 4:15 by mentioning Jesus's ability to be 'touched with the feeling of our infirmities'.
"Jesus calls to every wanderer, “My son, give Me thine heart.” [ Proverbs 23:26 .] “Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings.” [ Jeremiah 3:22 .] The youth cannot be truly happy without the love of Jesus. He is waiting with pitying tenderness to hear the confessions of the wayward, and to accept their penitence. He watches for some return of gratitude from them, as the mother watches for the smile of recognition from her beloved babe. The great God teaches us to call Him Father. He would have us understand how earnestly and tenderly His heart yearns over us in all our trials and temptations. “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.” [ Psalm 103:13 .] The mother might sooner forget her child than God could forget one soul that trusts Him. GW 209.2"
"My son, give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways."
Ellen White directly references Proverbs 23:26 in this passage.
"Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou art the Lord our God."
Ellen White directly references Jeremiah 3:22 in this passage.
"Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him."
Ellen White directly references Psalms 103:13 in this passage.