"Although the will has been depraved and weakened, there is hope for him in Christ. He will awaken in the heart higher impulses and holier desires. Encourage him to lay hold of the hope set before him in the gospel. Open the Bible before the tempted, struggling one, and over and over again read to him the promises of God. These promises will be to him as the leaves of the tree of life. Patiently continue your efforts, until with grateful joy the trembling hand grasps the hope of redemption through Christ. MH 173.1"
"In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations."
The EGW passage directly alludes to Revelation 22:2 by stating that the promises of God will be 'as the leaves of the tree of life.' This is a clear and intentional connection.
"You must hold fast to those whom you are trying to help, else victory will never be yours. They will be continually tempted to evil. Again and again they will be almost overcome by the craving for strong drink; again and again they may fall; but do not, because of this, cease your efforts. MH 173.2"
"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
Both passages emphasize the importance of perseverance and not giving up in doing good, even when faced with challenges or setbacks. The principle of not growing weary in well-doing is directly applicable to the EGW passage's call to continue helping those struggling with addiction, even if they relapse.
"Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men."
Both passages encourage supporting and being patient with those who are struggling. The EGW passage focuses on helping those with addiction, while 1 Thessalonians 5:14 provides a broader exhortation to support the weak and be patient with all. The principle of support and patience is directly applicable.