"Cultivate the habit of speaking well of others. Dwell upon the good qualities of those with whom you associate, and see as little as possible of their errors and failings. When tempted to complain of what someone has said or done, praise something in that person's life or character. Cultivate thankfulness. Praise God for His wonderful love in giving Christ to die for us. It never pays to think of our grievances. God calls upon us to think of His mercy and His matchless love, that we may be inspired with praise. MH 492.1"
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment of Philippians 4:8, encouraging focusing on positive and praiseworthy aspects. The instruction to 'think on these things' in Philippians is directly reflected in EGW's call to dwell on good qualities and praise.
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."
Both passages address the importance of wholesome and edifying speech, avoiding corrupt communication. EGW expands on this by emphasizing speaking well of others and avoiding dwelling on faults, which aligns with the principle of edifying communication in Ephesians.
"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
The EGW passage emphasizes thankfulness, which aligns with the direct command in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to give thanks in everything.
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:"
Both passages encourage remembering and focusing on God's blessings and benefits. The EGW passage's call to cultivate thankfulness and remember God's love parallels the sentiment in Psalm 103:2 to not forget God's benefits.
"Earnest workers have no time for dwelling upon the faults of others. We cannot afford to live on the husks of others’ faults or failings. Evilspeaking is a twofold curse, falling more heavily upon the speaker than upon the hearer. He who scatters the seeds of dissension and strife reaps in his own soul the deadly fruits. The very act of looking for evil in others develops evil in those who look. By dwelling upon the faults of others, we are changed into the same image. But by beholding Jesus, talking of His love and perfection of character, we become changed into His image. By contemplating the lofty ideal He has placed before us, we shall be uplifted into a pure and holy atmosphere, even the presence of God. When we abide here, there goes forth from us a light that irradiates all who are connected with us. MH 492.2"
"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
The EGW passage explicitly alludes to 2 Corinthians 3:18. The concept of being changed into the image of Christ by beholding Him is central to both passages. EGW directly uses the phrase 'changed into the same image' and connects it to beholding Jesus, mirroring the core idea of the biblical verse.
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
The EGW passage directly reflects the principle of sowing and reaping found in Galatians 6:7. EGW states that scattering seeds of dissension leads to reaping deadly fruits, mirroring the biblical verse's assertion that what a person sows, they will also reap.
"But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another."
Both passages address the destructive nature of internal conflict and the importance of avoiding harmful interactions within a community. EGW expands on the idea of 'biting and devouring' by describing the consequences of dwelling on others' faults and spreading dissension.
"Instead of criticizing and condemning others, say, “I must work out my own salvation. If I co-operate with Him who desires to save my soul, I must watch myself diligently. I must put away every evil from my life. I must overcome every fault. I must become a new creature in Christ. Then, instead of weakening those who are striving against evil, I can strengthen them by encouraging words.” We are too indifferent in regard to one another. Too often we forget that our fellow laborers are in need of strength and cheer. Take care to assure them of your interest and sympathy. Help them by your prayers, and let them know that you do it. MH 492.3"
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
EGW directly quotes and expands upon the concept of 'working out your own salvation' from Philippians 2:12.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
EGW uses the phrase 'new creature in Christ,' which is a direct reference to 2 Corinthians 5:17.
"But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."
Both passages emphasize the importance of mutual encouragement and support within the Christian community to avoid being hardened by sin.