"Until the judgment you will never know the influence of a kind, considerate course toward the inconsistent, the unreasonable, the unworthy. When we meet with ingratitude and betrayal of sacred trusts, we are roused to show our contempt or indignation. This the guilty expect; they are prepared for it. But kind forbearance takes them by surprise and often awakens their better impulses and arouses a longing for a nobler life. MH 495.1"
"Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?"
The EGW passage directly reflects the principle in Romans 2:4 that God's goodness and forbearance lead to repentance. EGW emphasizes that kindness and consideration, even towards the unworthy, can awaken better impulses and lead to a nobler life, mirroring the transformative power of God's goodness.
"Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head."
Both passages address responding to enemies or those who wrong us with kindness rather than retaliation. The 'coals of fire' in Romans 12:20 represent a surprising act of kindness that can lead to repentance, which aligns with EGW's statement that kind forbearance can awaken better impulses.
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;"
The EGW passage echoes the principle of loving one's enemies and showing kindness even to those who are undeserving, as taught in Matthew 5:44. It specifically addresses how to respond to ingratitude and betrayal with forbearance, which aligns with the broader concept of loving one's enemies.
"All who profess to be children of God should bear in mind that as missionaries they will be brought into contact with all classes of minds. There are the refined and the coarse, the humble and the proud, the religious and the skeptical, the educated and the ignorant, the rich and the poor. These varied minds cannot be treated alike; yet all need kindness and sympathy. By mutual contact our minds should receive polish and refinement. We are dependent upon one another, closely bound together by the ties of human brotherhood. MH 495.3"
"And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you."
Both passages emphasize the interdependence of different people/parts of the body and the need for mutual respect and understanding. EGW expands on the types of people one might encounter, while Paul uses the analogy of the body. The connection is valid and meaningful.
"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;"
The EGW passage advocates for kindness and sympathy towards others, aligning directly with the principle of brotherly love and preferring one another in Romans 12:10. The connection is clear and supports the original assessment.
"Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits."
Both passages touch on the idea of interacting with people of different social standings and avoiding pride. While not a direct quote, the thematic overlap is present.