"Often we miss the most precious blessings by neglecting to speak a word in season. If the golden opportunity is not watched for, it will be lost. At the bedside of the sick no word of creed or controversy should be spoken. Let the sufferer be pointed to the One who is willing to save all that come to Him in faith. Earnestly, tenderly strive to help the soul that is hovering between life and death. MH 120.1"
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:"
The EGW passage emphasizes the importance of speaking 'a word in season,' particularly at the bedside of the sick, and warns against missing opportunities. This directly reflects the principle in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that 'to every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.' The connection is clear and directly applicable.
"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."
Both passages emphasize the importance of seizing opportunities to do good. The EGW passage specifically applies this principle to speaking words of comfort and faith to the sick, aligning directly with the general call to action in Galatians 6:10.
"(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)"
The EGW passage speaks of 'golden opportunities' and the danger of missing them, while 2 Corinthians 6:2 emphasizes that 'now is the accepted time' and 'now is the day of salvation.' Both passages highlight the urgency of the present moment for spiritual matters.
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
The EGW passage discusses helping the sick and pointing them to faith, while James 5:16 mentions prayer for healing. While not a direct parallel, there's a possible connection in the context of ministering to the sick and the role of faith and prayer in their well-being.
"his heart, and the spiritual health that comes to him is used as the helping hand of God in restoring the health of the body. MH 120.2"
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."
Both passages connect emotional/spiritual state with physical health. EGW expands on the principle of a merry heart being like medicine.