"The very souls you despise need your love and sympathy. Do not leave a weak soul to struggle alone, to wrestle with the passions of his own heart without your help and prayers, but consider yourself, lest you also be tempted. If you do this, God will not leave you to your own weakness. You may have sins greater in His sight than the sins of those you condemn. Do not stand off and say, “I am holier than thou.” GW 336.1"
"And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:"
Both passages address the sin of despising others and thinking oneself superior. The EGW quote expands on the dangers of this attitude and the need for love and sympathy, echoing the theme of Luke 18:9.
"Judge not, that ye be not judged."
Both passages address the importance of not judging others. The EGW quote expands on the practical implications of this principle, emphasizing the need for love, sympathy, and self-reflection.
"Christ has thrown His divine arm around the human race. He has brought His divine power to man, that He might encourage the poor, sin-sick, discouraged soul to reach up for a higher life. O, we need more of Christ's spirit, and much less of self! We need the converting power of God upon our hearts daily. We need the mellowing spirit of Christ, to subdue and soften our souls. The only way for those to do who feel that they are whole, is to fall upon the Rock and be broken. Christ can change you into His likeness, if you will submit yourself to Him. GW 336.2"
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Both passages offer comfort and encouragement to those who are struggling. Matthew 11:28 invites the weary to find rest in Christ, while the EGW quote speaks of Christ's power to uplift and transform the 'poor, sin-sick, discouraged soul.' The EGW quote amplifies the theme of finding solace and renewal in Christ.
"***** If we follow in Christ's footsteps, we must come close to those who need our ministry. We must open the Bible to the understanding, present the claims of God's law, read the promises to the hesitating, arouse the careless, strengthen the weak. GW 336.3"
"Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees."
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment of strengthening the weak, as found in Isaiah 35:3.
"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
Both passages discuss teaching and following Christ's commands, but the EGW passage is more specific about the actions to take. The connection is thematic rather than a direct principle.