EGW WritingsLuke 10

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 117, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 117, 1903, par. 5

On one occasion, when Christ was speaking to a large company, the Pharisees, hoping to catch something from His lips that they could use to condemn Him, sent a lawyer to Him with the question, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Christ read the hearts of the Pharisees as an open book, and His answer to the questioner was, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:25-27.]

18LtMs, Ms 117, 1903, par. 6

“Thou hast answered right,” Christ said; “this do, and thou shalt live.” [Verse 28.]

18LtMs, Ms 117, 1903, par. 7

The lawyer knew that by his own answer he had condemned himself. He knew that he did not love his neighbor as himself. But willing to justify himself, he asked, “And who is my neighbor?” [Verse 29.]

18LtMs, Ms 117, 1903, par. 8

Christ answered this question by relating an incident, the memory of which was fresh in the minds of His hearers. “A certain man,” He said, “went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.” [Verse 30.]

18LtMs, Ms 117, 1903, par. 9

In journeying from Jerusalem to Jericho, the traveler had to pass through a portion of the wilderness of Judea. The road led down a wild, rocky ravine, which was infested with robbers and was often the scene of violence. It was here that the traveler was attacked, stripped of all that was valuable, and left half dead by the wayside. As he lay thus, a priest came that way: he saw the man lying wounded and bruised, weltering in his own blood; but he left him without rendering any assistance. “He passed by on the other side.” Then a Levite appeared. Curious to know what had happened, he stopped and looked at the sufferer. He was convicted of what he ought to do, but it was not an agreeable duty. He wished that he had not come that way. He persuaded himself that the case was no concern of his, and he too “passed by on the other side.” [Verses 31, 32.]

18LtMs, Ms 117, 1903, par. 10

But a Samaritan, traveling the same road, saw the sufferer, and he did the work that the others had refused to do. With gentleness and kindness he ministered to the wounded man. “When he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him, and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.” [Verses 33-35.] The priest and the Levite both professed piety, but the Samaritan showed that he was truly converted. It was no more agreeable for him to do the work than for the priest and Levite, but in spirit and works he proved himself to be in harmony with God.

18LtMs, Ms 117, 1903, par. 11

The lawyer found in the lesson nothing that he could criticize. But he had not overcome his national dislike sufficiently to give credit to the Samaritan by name. When Christ asked, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves,” he answered, “He that showed mercy on him.” [Verses 36, 37.]

18LtMs, Ms 117, 1903, par. 12

“Then Jesus said unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” [Verse 37.] Show the same tender kindness to those in need.

The Upward Look

Thy Word Is a Lamp, July 20

UL 215.2

The Old Testament Scriptures were the lesson book of Israel. When the lawyer came to Christ with the question “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” ... the Saviour said, “What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Christ said, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live” (Luke 10:25-28)....

UL 215.3

If there were not another text in the Bible, this statement carries sufficient light and knowledge and assurance for every soul. The lawyer had answered his own question, but willing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” (verse 29). Then by the parable of the Good Samaritan, Christ showed who is our neighbor, and gives us an example of the love we should manifest toward those suffering and in need. The priest and Levite, whose duty it was to minister to the needs of the stranger, passed by on the other side.

UL 215.4

At the conclusion of the narrative Christ asked the lawyer, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise” (verses 36, 37).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 70, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 70, 1906, par. 6

A lawyer came to Christ with the question, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Christ turned the question back to the lawyer: “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” The answer came, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy strength and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right,” Christ said; “this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.] The word “live” means, “Thou shalt have eternal life.”

21LtMs, Lt 70, 1906, par. 7

The lawyer saw where he had been remiss, but seeking to justify himself he asked almost impatiently, “And who is my neighbor?” [Verse 29.]

21LtMs, Lt 70, 1906, par. 8

Then Christ gave the parable of the Good Samaritan: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among thieves? And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” [Verses 30-37.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 304, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 304, 1908, par. 11

A lawyer came to Christ with the question, “What shall I do, that I may inherit eternal life?” The question was asked before a large number of people, who listened with intense interest for Christ’s answer. The Pharisees, who had prompted the question, hoped that Christ would say something that they could use in securing His condemnation. Christ laid upon the lawyer the burden of answering his own question. “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” He asked. The lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Jesus said, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

23LtMs, Lt 304, 1908, par. 12

The lawyer knew that he had kept neither the first four nor the last six commandments. He was convicted under Christ’s searching words, but instead of confessing his sin, he tried to excuse it. Rather than acknowledge the truth, he endeavored to show how difficult of fulfilment the commandment is. Thus he hoped to parry conviction and to vindicate himself in the eyes of the people. The Saviour’s words had shown that his question was needless, since he had been able to answer it himself. Yet he put another question, “Who is my neighbor?” [Verse 29.]

23LtMs, Lt 304, 1908, par. 13

Christ answered the question by relating an incident, the memory of which was fresh in the minds of His hearers. “A certain man,” He said, “went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his raiment, and departed, leaving him half dead.” [Verse 30.]

23LtMs, Lt 304, 1908, par. 14

In journeying from Jerusalem to Jericho, the traveler had to pass through a portion of the wilderness of Judea. The road led down a wild, rocky ravine, which was infested with robbers and was often the scene of violence. It was here that the traveler was attacked, stripped of all that was valuable, and left half dead by the wayside. As he lay thus, a priest came that way; he saw the man lying wounded and bruised, weltering in his own blood. He “passed by on the other side.” Then a Levite appeared. Curious to know what had happened, he stopped and looked at the sufferer. He was convicted of what he ought to do, but it was not an agreeable duty. He wished that he had not come that way, so that he would not have seen the wounded man. He persuaded himself that the case was no concern of his, and he too “passed by on the other side.” [Verses 31, 32.]

23LtMs, Lt 304, 1908, par. 15

But a Samaritan, traveling the same road, saw the sufferer, and he did the work that others had refused to do. With gentleness and kindness he ministered to the wounded man. “When he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow, when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him, and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.” [Verses 33-35.] The priest and the Levite both professed piety, but the Samaritan showed that he was truly converted. It was no more agreeable for him to do the work than for the priest, but in spirit and works he proved himself to be in harmony with God.

23LtMs, Lt 304, 1908, par. 16

In giving this lesson, Christ presented the principles of the law in a direct, forcible way, showing His hearers that they had neglected to carry out these principles. His words were so definite and pointed that the listeners could find no opportunity to cavil. The lawyer found in the lesson nothing that he could criticize. His prejudice in regard to Christ was removed. But he had not overcome his national dislike sufficiently to give credit to the Samaritan by name. When Christ asked, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell upon the thieves?” he answered, “Him that showed mercy on him.” [Verses 36, 37.]

23LtMs, Lt 304, 1908, par. 17

“Then said Jesus, Go, and do thou likewise.” [Verse 37.] Show the same tender regard to those in need. Thus you will give evidence that you keep the whole law.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 98, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, par. 8

A lawyer came to Christ, asking, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” The scribes and Pharisees were listening as spies and criticizers, seeking to catch some word from the lips of Him whose appointed work was to bring life and immortality to light. Christ reads every heart as an open book, and knows every thought lurking therein. He gave the lawyer the privilege of answering his own question. “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” He said. The scribes and Pharisees who were laying a trap for Christ were great sticklers for the letter of the law, although they did not keep it, either in spirit or letter. The lawyer answering said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” These words were spoken by one who had been put forward by the scribes and Pharisees to tempt Christ to speak words which they could use against Him. The greatest Teacher the world ever knew said in response, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, par. 9

The lawyer, willing to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus then related an incident which had recently taken place. A certain man, going from Jerusalem to Jericho had fallen among thieves, who had stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, “and departed, leaving him half dead.” A priest passing by saw this man in distressing need of a friend, but he did not desire the trouble of caring for him. A Levite also came and looked on him, but the care of the sick man was too much trouble for him to undertake, and he “passed by on the other side.” [Verses 29-32.] But a Samaritan found the wounded man, and he had compassion on him. He did not pass by, and leave him in his helpless misery. He did the work which the others were unwilling to undertake. Yet the Samaritans were excommunicated by the Jews, and were made a byword; yet one of this class did the work which the priest and Levite refused to do.

11LtMs, Lt 98, 1896, par. 10

The lawyer had asked, “And who is my neighbor?” [Verse 29.] Again Jesus arranged matters so that the decision should come from the lips of the lawyer. “Which <one> of these three thinkest thou was neighbor to him that fell among thieves?” He asked. And the answer came from the lawyer, “He that showed mercy on him.” By this answer the lawyer condemned, not only the course of the scribes and Pharisees, but his own practice. In order to be truthful, he condemned himself. He would not say, “The Samaritan,” but “He that showed mercy on him.” Christ said, “Go thou and do likewise.” [Verses 36, 37.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 25, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 25, 1896, par. 20

“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

11LtMs, Ms 25, 1896, par. 21

This entire chapter is worthy of careful study, but the points I wish you to take in and understand is the lesson contained in verses 25-37. When God is loved supremely, then property of any description will be looked upon as talent loaned to be used with wisdom, to take its proper place subordinate to the eternal interests. Sanctified judgment is to be exercised as to how to appropriate the goods of trust to best advance the glory of God. Money cannot confer happiness without [unless] the Lord’s name is glorified with its use. When the money charms the heart because it is [in] the hands of the human agent it is a snare; it is a master, not an agent for accomplishing the greatest amount of good. It is regarded above the favor of God, takes the place of an idol, and is worshiped as such. But when property, money, or any other thing interposes itself between man and his obedience to God, that money is ruinous to the eternal interests of the soul. We cannot serve God and mammon.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 16 [Nos. 1186-1235]

MR No. 1222—The Wise and Unwise Use of Money

16MR 260.4

“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And He said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live” [Luke 10:25-28].

16MR 261.1

This entire chapter is worthy of careful study, but the lesson I wish you to take in and understand is contained in verses 25-37. When God is loved supremely, then property of any description will be looked upon as talent loaned to be used with wisdom, to take its proper place subordinate to the eternal interests. Sanctified judgment is to be exercised as to how to appropriate the goods of trust to best advance the glory of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 79, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 79, 1898, par. 4

God speaks to Harmon Lindsay. “Hear, oh Israel, The Lord our God is one Lord: and thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” [Deuteronomy 6:4, 5.] “Behold, A certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” This question was framed by the priests, in the hope that Christ’s answer would give them an occasion to accuse and condemn Him. Christ reads all hearts, and He understood this plan. He laid the burden of the answer upon the lawyer himself, knowing that he understood the claims of God’s law. “What is written in the law?” He said, “how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

13LtMs, Lt 79, 1898, par. 5

The lawyer knew from the Scriptures that God required His people to reveal His character to suffering humanity, to represent Christ as Christ was representing the Father. But willing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Christ then gave the parable of the good Samaritan and asked, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among thieves?” The priest and Levite, who saw the suffering one, and passed by on the other side, or the Samaritan, who went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The lawyer answered, “He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” [Verses 29-37.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 96, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 96, 1899, par. 10

The Old Testament Scriptures were the lesson book of Israel. When the lawyer came to Christ with the question, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”—consider this question, for the answer is for every one who asks a similar question—the Saviour said, “What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Christ said, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

14LtMs, Ms 96, 1899, par. 11

This knowledge is essential for every student in our schools. If there were not another text in the Bible, this statement carries sufficient light and knowledge and assurance for every soul. The lawyer had answered his own question, but, willing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” [Verse 29.] Then by the parable of the good Samaritan Christ showed who is our neighbor, and gives us an example of the love we should manifest toward those suffering and in need. The priest and Levite, whose duty it was to minister to the needs of the stranger, passed by on the other side.

14LtMs, Ms 96, 1899, par. 12

At the conclusion of the narrative Christ asked the lawyer, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among thieves? and he said, He that showed mercy upon him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” [Verses 36, 37.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]

MR No. 1043—The Bible as Our Study Book

13MR 262.1

The Old Testament Scriptures were the lesson book of Israel. When the lawyer came to Christ with the question, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”—consider this question, for the answer is for everyone who asks a similar question—the Saviour said, “What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Christ said, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live” [Luke 10:25-28].

13MR 262.2

This knowledge is essential for every student in our schools. If there were not another text in the Bible, this statement carries sufficient light and knowledge and assurance for every soul. The lawyer had answered his own question, but, willing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” [verse 29]. Then by the parable of the Good Samaritan Christ showed who is our neighbor, and gives us an example of the love we should manifest toward those suffering and in need. The priest and Levite, whose duty it was to minister to the needs of the stranger, passed by on the other side.

13MR 262.3

At the conclusion of the narrative Christ asked the lawyer, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise” [verses 36, 37].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 97, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 97, 1901, par. 15

“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

16LtMs, Ms 97, 1901, par. 16

Knowing that he was condemned by his own words, and wishing to justify himself, the lawyer asked, “And who is my neighbor?” [Verse 29.]

16LtMs, Ms 97, 1901, par. 17

In answer, Christ related an incident which had lately taken place. “A certain man,” He said, “went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor to him that fell among thieves? And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus, Go, and do thou likewise.” [Verses 30-37.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 81, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 81, 1901, par. 7

“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tempted him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” The lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right,” Christ said, “this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

16LtMs, Lt 81, 1901, par. 8

The lawyer felt annoyed by the Saviour’s reply for he knew that he had not fulfilled the requirements of the law; and he asked, “And who is my neighbor?” In answer, the Saviour related, in the form of a parable, an incident which had lately taken place. He spoke of a man who, going from Jerusalem to Jericho, fell among thieves who robbed and wounded him, leaving him to die by the wayside. “And by chance there came down a certain priest that way; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.” [Verses 29-32.] They knew the precious lessons of mercy and compassion which Christ from the pillar of cloud had given to Moses to give to the children of Israel; but in entire disregard, they refused to help their suffering brother.

16LtMs, Lt 81, 1901, par. 9

“But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.” [Verses 33-35.]

16LtMs, Lt 81, 1901, par. 10

Then Christ asked the lawyer, “Which of these two [three], thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?” So interested had the audience become in the narrative that many voices united with the lawyer’s in saying, “He that showed mercy on him.” Then said Jesus, “Go thou and do likewise.” [Verses 36, 37.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Lt 207, 1905

20LtMs, Lt 207, 1905, par. 7

“All ye are brethren.” [Matthew 23:8.] When the lawyer came to Christ with the question, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” the Saviour laid upon the inquirer the burden of answering. “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” He asked. “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And He said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

20LtMs, Lt 207, 1905, par. 8

The lawyer, willing to justify his neglect, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” [Verse 29.]

20LtMs, Lt 207, 1905, par. 9

In answer Christ told the incident of the man passing from Jerusalem to Jericho, who was attacked by robbers and left by the wayside wounded and in a dying condition. A priest and a Levite passed by that way, but both, unwilling to help the sufferer, “passed by on the other side.” [Verses 30-32.]

20LtMs, Lt 207, 1905, par. 10

A Samaritan, coming that way, saw him; and going to him, put him on his own beast, and took him to an inn, and took care of him. On taking his departure, “he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said to him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.” [Verses 33-35.]

20LtMs, Lt 207, 1905, par. 11

“Which now of these three,” said Christ, “thinkest thou was neighbor to him that fell among thieves?” The voices of others united with the lawyer in answering, “He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” [Verses 36, 37.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)

Ms 126, 1905

20LtMs, Ms 126, 1905, par. 7

Let the mind be closed in with the Redeemer. Let men heed the invitation, “Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” [Matthew 11:29, 30.] The mind may be swamped with a multitude of statements and assertions, some valuable, and some that should not be retained, which if retained would be of no benefit. Teachers, weed from your talks all that is not of the highest and best quality. Keep before the students those sentiments only that are essential. Never should the physician, teacher, or minister prolong his talks until the alpha is forgotten in long-drawn-out assertions that are not of the least benefit. The mind is swamped by a multitude of words that it cannot retain. Let the talks given be short and right to the point. Let the mind be kept sweet and pure and open to heaven’s first law, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.]

20LtMs, Ms 126, 1905, par. 8

Eternal life is involved in the question, What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? The lawyer had been sent by the scribes and Pharisees to ask Christ this question. They hoped that He would say something in reply that they could use to condemn Him. But He read their hearts as an open book and laid upon the lawyer the burden of answering his own question. “What is written in the law? How readest thou?” He asked. The lawyer was well versed in the requirements of the law, and he replied, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Christ said, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Verses 25-28.]

20LtMs, Ms 126, 1905, par. 10

But the lawyer, willing to justify his neglect of that which he knew he had not done, petulantly inquired, “And who is my neighbor?” [Verse 29.]

20LtMs, Ms 126, 1905, par. 12

When Christ had come to the end of His lesson, given in the hearing of a large number who were listening with intense interest, He said to the lawyer, “Which now of these three thinkest thou was neighbor unto him who fell among thieves? And he said, He that showed mercy on him.” [Verses 36, 37.] Christ’s words had made so strong an impression that many voices united with that of the lawyer in giving this answer.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 21 (1906)

Lt 52, 1906

21LtMs, Lt 52, 1906, par. 29

The question that the lawyer asked Christ means everything to every soul. The multitude thronged about Christ, anxiously waiting for His answer. Christ understood the situation perfectly, and to the question, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” He answered, “What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And Christ said to him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:25-28.]

21LtMs, Lt 52, 1906, par. 31

“And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among thieves. And he said unto Him, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” [Verses 30-37.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 165, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 165, 1901, par. 23

Let us notice the answer which the divine Teacher gave to the lawyer who asked, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” “He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?” [Luke 10:25-29.]

16LtMs, Lt 165, 1901, par. 24

In answer to this question, Christ gave the parable of the good Samaritan. In this parable He called to the minds of His hearers an incident that had actually taken place: “A certain man,” He said, “went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” [Verses 30-37.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 107, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 107, 1902, par. 4

Do you understand the question that the lawyer put to Christ, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Christ laid upon the lawyer the burden of answering his own question. “What is written in the law? How readest thou?” He asked. “And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And He said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?” [Luke 10:25-29.]

17LtMs, Lt 107, 1902, par. 5

Jesus then related an incident that had lately taken place. A certain man, going from Jerusalem to Jericho, was robbed and left by the roadside, wounded and dying. “And by chance there came down a certain priest that way.” Did he help the one so sorely in need of help? No; “he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked at him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow, when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three,” Christ asked, “thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among thieves? And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” [Verses 30-37.]

17LtMs, Lt 107, 1902, par. 9

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] These words are to be engraved on the tablets of the heart. In the sight of the world, it is going to extremes to love God supremely and our neighbor as ourself; but this is what God requires. He says to us, “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people, that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light. ... Dearly beloved, I beseech you as pilgrims and strangers, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul, having your conversation honest among the Gentiles, that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. ... For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.” [1 Peter 2:9, 11, 12, 15.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 105, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 105, 1902, par. 2

My brethren and sisters, let your works testify that you have a right to be in the army of medical missionaries. Do you understand the question that the lawyer put to Christ, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Christ laid upon the lawyer the burden of answering his own question. “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” He asked. And he answering said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?” [Luke 10:25-29.]

17LtMs, Lt 105, 1902, par. 5

“Which now of these three,” Christ asked, “thinkest thou was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” [Verses 30-37.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 134, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 134, 1902, par. 17

Let us notice the answer that the divine Teacher gave to the lawyer who asked, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” “He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right,” Christ said: “This do, and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?” [Luke 10:25-29.]

17LtMs, Lt 134, 1902, par. 18

In answer, Christ gave the parable of the good Samaritan, relating an incident that had actually taken place: “A certain man,” He said, “went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that showed mercy to him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” [Verses 30-37.]

The Story of Jesus

Chapter 10—Teachings of Christ

SJ 63.4

“Thou hast answered right,” said Christ; “this do and thou shalt live.” The lawyer had not done this. He knew that he had not loved others as himself. Instead of repenting, he tried to find an excuse for his selfishness. So he asked Jesus: “Who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:25-29.

SJ 65.8

Then Jesus said, “Go, and do thou likewise.” Luke 10:35-37. So Jesus taught that every person who needs our help is our neighbor. We are to treat him just as we ourselves would like to be treated.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 66, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 66, 1890, par. 2

The question was asked Christ by the lawyer, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” [Luke 10:25-27.] Christ answered, “This do, and thou shalt live. And he, willing to justify himself [his Phariseeism], said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor?” [Verses 28, 29.] Then we have the subject forcibly illustrated by the parable of the Good Samaritan.

6LtMs, Ms 66, 1890, par. 4

Again, Christ puts the burden upon those present, especially the lawyer, to pronounce, himself, who was the true neighbor to his fellow man [who was] suffering under misfortune. The lawyer thought to ensnare Christ in his question in regard to the law, and lead Him to say something that he could use as charges against Him to confirm the decisions of the priests and rulers that He was a dangerous man. Jesus read his purposes and arranged the matter [so] that the inquirer, His tempter, should answer the question himself and bring before the artful priests and rulers the Old Testament principles of truth contained in the far-reaching principles of the law of God. Thus Jesus overruled the artful desires of His enemies [in order] to explain the essential truths of the Gospel. The lawyer listened with bated breath to hear the question from Christ, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among thieves?” And the lawyer said, “He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go and do thou likewise.” [Verses 36, 37.]

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 27—“Who is My Neighbour?”

COL 376.1

Among the Jews the question, “Who is my neighbour?” caused endless dispute. They had no doubt as to the heathen and the Samaritans. These were strangers and enemies. But where should the distinction be made among the people of their own nation and among the different classes of society? Whom should the priest, the rabbi, the elder, regard as neighbor? They spent their lives in a round of ceremonies to make themselves pure. Contact with the ignorant and careless multitude, they taught, would cause defilement that would require wearisome effort to remove. Were they to regard the “unclean” as neighbors?

COL 376.2

This question Christ answered in the parable of the good Samaritan. He showed that our neighbor does not mean merely one of the church or faith to which we belong. It has no reference to race, color, or class distinction. Our neighbor is every person who needs our help. Our neighbor is every soul who is wounded and bruised by the adversary. Our neighbor is every one who is the property of God.

COL 377.1

The parable of the good Samaritan was called forth by a question put to Christ by a doctor of the law. As the Saviour was teaching, “a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” The Pharisees had suggested this question to the lawyer in the hope that they might entrap Christ in His words, and they listened eagerly for His answer. But the Saviour entered into no controversy. He required the answer from the questioner himself. “What is written in the law?” He asked, “How readest thou?” The Jews still accused Jesus of lightly regarding the law given from Sinai, but He turned the question of salvation upon the keeping of God’s commandments.

COL 377.2

The lawyer said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” “Thou hast answered right,” Christ said; “this do, and thou shalt live.”

COL 377.3

The lawyer was not satisfied with the position and works of the Pharisees. He had been studying the scriptures with a desire to learn their real meaning. He had a vital interest in the matter, and he asked in sincerity, “What shall I do?” In his answer as to the requirements of the law, he passed by all the mass of ceremonial and ritualistic precepts. For these he claimed no value, but presented the two great principles on which hang all the law and the prophets. The Saviour’s commendation of this answer placed Him on vantage ground with the rabbis. They could not condemn Him for sanctioning that which had been advanced by an expositor of the law.

COL 377.4

“This do, and thou shalt live,” Christ said. In His teaching He ever presented the law as a divine unity, showing that it is impossible to keep one precept and break another; for the same principle runs through all. Man’s destiny will be determined by his obedience to the whole law.

COL 378.1

Christ knew that no one could obey the law in his own strength. He desired to lead the lawyer to clearer and more critical research that he might find the truth. Only by accepting the virtue and grace of Christ can we keep the law. Belief in the propitiation for sin enables fallen man to love God with his whole heart and his neighbor as himself.

COL 378.2

The lawyer knew that he had kept neither the first four nor the last six commandments. He was convicted under Christ’s searching words, but instead of confessing his sin he tried to excuse it. Rather than acknowledge the truth, he endeavored to show how difficult of fulfillment the commandment is. Thus he hoped both to parry conviction and to vindicate himself in the eyes of the people. The Saviour’s words had shown that his question was needless, since he was able to answer it himself. Yet he put another question, saying, “Who is my neighbour?”

COL 379.1

Again Christ refused to be drawn into controversy. He answered the question by relating an incident, the memory of which was fresh in the minds of His hearers. “A certain man,” He said, “went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.”

COL 379.2

In journeying from Jerusalem to Jericho, the traveler had to pass through a portion of the wilderness of Judea. The road led down a wild, rocky ravine, which was infested with robbers, and was often the scene of violence. It was here that the traveler was attacked, stripped of all that was valuable, and left half dead by the wayside. As he lay thus, a priest came that way; he saw the man lying wounded and bruised, weltering in his own blood; but he left him without rendering any assistance. He “passed by on the other side.” Then a Levite appeared. Curious to know what had happened, he stopped and looked at the sufferer. He was convicted of what he ought to do, but it was not an agreeable duty. He wished that he had not come that way so that he would not have seen the wounded man. He persuaded himself that the case was no concern of his, and he too “passed by on the other side.”

COL 379.3

But a Samaritan, traveling the same road, saw the sufferer, and he did the work that the others had refused to do. With gentleness and kindness he ministered to the wounded man. “When he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.” The priest and the Levite both professed piety, but the Samaritan showed that he was truly converted. It was no more agreeable for him to do the work than for the priest and the Levite, but in spirit and works he proved himself to be in harmony with God.

COL 380.1

In giving this lesson, Christ presented the principles of the law in a direct, forcible way, showing His hearers that they had neglected to carry out these principles. His words were so definite and pointed that the listeners could find no opportunity to cavil. The lawyer found in the lesson nothing that he could criticize. His prejudice in regard to Christ was removed. But he had not overcome his national dislike sufficiently to give credit to the Samaritan by name. When Christ asked, “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?” he answered, “He that showed mercy on him.”

COL 380.2

“Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” Show the same tender kindness to those in need. Thus you will give evidence that you keep the whole law.

COL 380.3

The great difference between the Jews and the Samaritans was a difference in religious belief, a question as to what constitutes true worship. The Pharisees would say nothing good of the Samaritans, but poured their bitterest curses upon them. So strong was the antipathy between the Jews and the Samaritans that to the Samaritan woman it seemed a strange thing for Christ to ask her for a drink. “How is it,” she said, “that Thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria?” “For,” adds the evangelist, “the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans.” John 4:9. And when the Jews were so filled with murderous hatred against Christ that they rose up in the temple to stone Him, they could find no better words by which to express their hatred than, “Say we not well that Thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?” John 8:48. Yet the priest and Levite neglected the very work the Lord had enjoined on them, leaving a hated and despised Samaritan to minister to one of their own countrymen.

COL 381.1

The Samaritan had fulfilled the command, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,” thus showing that he was more righteous than those by whom he was denounced. Risking his own life, he had treated the wounded man as his brother. This Samaritan represents Christ. Our Saviour manifested for us a love that the love of man can never equal. When we were bruised and dying, He had pity upon us. He did not pass us by on the other side, and leave us, helpless and hopeless, to perish. He did not remain in His holy, happy home, where He was beloved by all the heavenly host. He beheld our sore need, He undertook our case, and identified His interests with those of humanity. He died to save His enemies. He prayed for His murderers. Pointing to His own example, He says to His followers, “These things I command you, that ye love one another”; “as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 15:17; 13:34.

COL 382.1

The priest and the Levite had been for worship to the temple whose service was appointed by God Himself. To participate in that service was a great and exalted privilege, and the priest and Levite felt that having been thus honored, it was beneath them to minister to an unknown sufferer by the wayside. Thus they neglected the special opportunity which God had offered them as His agents to bless a fellow being.

COL 382.2

Many today are making a similar mistake. They separate their duties into two distinct classes. The one class is made up of great things, to be regulated by the law of God; the other class is made up of so-called little things, in which the command, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself,” is ignored. This sphere of work is left to caprice, subject to inclination or impulse. Thus the character is marred, and the religion of Christ misrepresented.

COL 382.3

There are those who would think it lowering to their dignity to minister to suffering humanity. Many look with indifference and contempt upon those who have laid the temple of the soul in ruins. Others neglect the poor from a different motive. They are working, as they believe, in the cause of Christ, seeking to build up some worthy enterprise. They feel that they are doing a great work, and they cannot stop to notice the wants of the needy and distressed. In advancing their supposedly great work they may even oppress the poor. They may place them in hard and trying circumstances, deprive them of their rights, or neglect their needs. Yet they feel that all this is justifiable because they are, as they think, advancing the cause of Christ.

COL 383.1

Many will allow a brother or a neighbor to struggle unaided under adverse circumstances. Because they profess to be Christians he may be led to think that in their cold selfishness they are representing Christ. Because the Lord’s professed servants are not in co-operation with Him, the love of God, which should flow forth from them, is in great degree cut off from their fellow men. And a large revenue of praise and thanksgiving from human hearts and human lips is prevented from flowing back to God. He is robbed of the glory due to His holy name. He is robbed of the souls for whom Christ died, souls whom He longs to bring into His kingdom to dwell in His presence through endless ages.

COL 383.2

Divine truth exerts little influence upon the world, when it should exert much influence through our practice. The mere profession of religion abounds, but it has little weight. We may claim to be followers of Christ, we may claim to believe every truth in the word of God; but this will do our neighbor no good unless our belief is carried into our daily life. Our profession may be as high as heaven, but it will save neither ourselves nor our fellow men unless we are Christians. A right example will do more to benefit the world than all our profession.

COL 383.3

By no selfish practices can the cause of Christ be served. His cause is the cause of the oppressed and the poor. In the hearts of His professed followers there is need of the tender sympathy of Christ—a deeper love for those whom He has so valued as to give His own life for their salvation. These souls are precious, infinitely more precious than any other offering we can bring to God. To bend every energy toward some apparently great work, while we neglect the needy or turn the stranger from his right, is not a service that will meet His approval.

COL 384.1

The sanctification of the soul by the working of the Holy Spirit is the implanting of Christ’s nature in humanity. Gospel religion is Christ in the life—a living, active principle. It is the grace of Christ revealed in character and wrought out in good works. The principles of the gospel cannot be disconnected from any department of practical life. Every line of Christian experience and labor is to be a representation of the life of Christ.

COL 384.2

Love is the basis of godliness. Whatever the profession, no man has pure love to God unless he has unselfish love for his brother. But we can never come into possession of this spirit by trying to love others. What is needed is the love of Christ in the heart. When self is merged in Christ, love springs forth spontaneously. The completeness of Christian character is attained when the impulse to help and bless others springs constantly from within—when the sunshine of heaven fills the heart and is revealed in the countenance.

COL 384.3

It is not possible for the heart in which Christ abides to be destitute of love. If we love God because He first loved us, we shall love all for whom Christ died. We cannot come in touch with divinity without coming in touch with humanity; for in Him who sits upon the throne of the universe, divinity and humanity are combined. Connected with Christ, we are connected with our fellow men by the golden links of the chain of love. Then the pity and compassion of Christ will be manifest in our life. We shall not wait to have the needy and unfortunate brought to us. We shall not need to be entreated to feel for the woes of others. It will be as natural for us to minister to the needy and suffering as it was for Christ to go about doing good.

COL 385.1

Wherever there is an impulse of love and sympathy, wherever the heart reaches out to bless and uplift others, there is revealed the working of God’s Holy Spirit. In the depths of heathenism, men who have had no knowledge of the written law of God, who have never even heard the name of Christ, have been kind to His servants, protecting them at the risk of their own lives. Their acts show the working of a divine power. The Holy Spirit has implanted the grace of Christ in the heart of the savage, quickening his sympathies contrary to his nature, contrary to his education. The “Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9), is shining in his soul; and this light, if heeded, will guide his feet to the kingdom of God.

COL 386.1

The glory of heaven is in lifting up the fallen, comforting the distressed. And wherever Christ abides in human hearts, He will be revealed in the same way. Wherever it acts, the religion of Christ will bless. Wherever it works, there is brightness.

COL 386.2

No distinction on account of nationality, race, or caste, is recognized by God. He is the Maker of all mankind. All men are of one family by creation, and all are one through redemption. Christ came to demolish every wall of partition, to throw open every compartment of the temple, that every soul may have free access to God. His love is so broad, so deep, so full, that it penetrates everywhere. It lifts out of Satan’s circle the poor souls who have been deluded by his deceptions. It places them within reach of the throne of God, the throne encircled by the rainbow of promise.

COL 386.3

In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free. All are brought nigh by His precious blood. (Galatians 3:28; Ephesians 2:13.)

COL 386.4

Whatever the difference in religious belief, a call from suffering humanity must be heard and answered. Where bitterness of feeling exists because of difference in religion, much good may be done by personal service. Loving ministry will break down prejudice, and win souls to God.

COL 386.5

We should anticipate the sorrows, the difficulties, the troubles of others. We should enter into the joys and cares of both high and low, rich and poor. “Freely ye have received,” Christ says, “freely give.” Matthew 10:8. All around us are poor, tried souls that need sympathizing words and helpful deeds. There are widows who need sympathy and assistance. There are orphans whom Christ has bidden His followers receive as a trust from God. Too often these are passed by with neglect. They may be ragged, uncouth, and seemingly in every way unattractive; yet they are God’s property. They have been bought with a price, and they are as precious in His sight as we are. They are members of God’s great household, and Christians as His stewards are responsible for them. “Their souls,” He says, “will I require at thine hand.”

COL 387.1

Sin is the greatest of all evils, and it is ours to pity and help the sinner. But not all can be reached in the same way. There are many who hide their soul hunger. These would be greatly helped by a tender word or a kind remembrance. There are others who are in the greatest need, yet they know it not. They do not realize the terrible destitution of the soul. Multitudes are so sunken in sin that they have lost the sense of eternal realities, lost the similitude of God, and they hardly know whether they have souls to be saved or not. They have neither faith in God nor confidence in man. Many of these can be reached only through acts of disinterested kindness. Their physical wants must first be cared for. They must be fed, cleansed, and decently clothed. As they see the evidence of your unselfish love, it will be easier for them to believe in the love of Christ.

COL 387.2

There are many who err, and who feel their shame and their folly. They look upon their mistakes and errors until they are driven almost to desperation. These souls we are not to neglect. When one has to swim against the stream, there is all the force of the current driving him back. Let a helping hand then be held out to him as was the Elder Brother’s hand to the sinking Peter. Speak to him hopeful words, words that will establish confidence and awaken love.

COL 387.3

Thy brother, sick in spirit, needs thee, as thou thyself hast needed a brother’s love. He needs the experience of one who has been as weak as he, one who can sympathize with him and help him. The knowledge of our own weakness should help us to help another in his bitter need. Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God.

COL 388.1

It is fellowship with Christ, personal contact with a living Saviour, that enables the mind and heart and soul to triumph over the lower nature. Tell the wanderer of an almighty hand that will hold him up, of an infinite humanity in Christ that pities him. It is not enough for him to believe in law and force, things that have no pity, and never hear the cry for help. He needs to clasp a hand that is warm, to trust in a heart full of tenderness. Keep his mind stayed upon the thought of a divine presence ever beside him, ever looking upon him with pitying love. Bid him think of a Father’s heart that ever grieves over sin, of a Father’s hand stretched out still, of a Father’s voice saying, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me, and he shall make peace.” Isaiah 27:5.

COL 388.2

As you engage in this work, you have companions unseen by human eyes. Angels of heaven were beside the Samaritan who cared for the wounded stranger. Angels from the heavenly courts stand by all who do God’s service in ministering to their fellow men. And you have the co-operation of Christ Himself. He is the Restorer, and as you work under His supervision, you will see great results.

COL 388.3

Upon your faithfulness in this work not only the well-being of others but your own eternal destiny depends. Christ is seeking to uplift all who will be lifted to companionship with Himself, that we may be one with Him as He is one with the Father. He permits us to come in contact with suffering and calamity in order to call us out of our selfishness; He seeks to develop in us the attributes of His character—compassion, tenderness, and love. By accepting this work of ministry we place ourselves in His school, to be fitted for the courts of God. By rejecting it, we reject His instruction, and choose eternal separation from His presence.

COL 389.1

“If thou wilt keep My charge,” the Lord declares, “I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by”—even among the angels that surround His throne. (Zechariah 3:7.) By co-operating with heavenly beings in their work on earth, we are preparing for their companionship in heaven. “Ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 1:14), angels in heaven will welcome those who on earth have lived “not to be ministered unto, but to minister” (Matthew 20:28). In this blessed companionship we shall learn, to our eternal joy, all that is wrapped up in the question, “Who is my neighbour?”

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 54—The Good Samaritan

DA 497.1

In the story of the good Samaritan, Christ illustrates the nature of true religion. He shows that it consists not in systems, creeds, or rites, but in the performance of loving deeds, in bringing the greatest good to others, in genuine goodness.

DA 497.2

As Christ was teaching the people, “a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted Him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” With breathless attention the large congregation awaited the answer. The priests and rabbis had thought to entangle Christ by having the lawyer ask this question. But the Saviour entered into no controversy. He required the answer from the questioner himself. “What is written in the law?” He said; “how readest thou?” The Jews still accused Jesus of lightly regarding the law given from Sinai; but He turned the question of salvation upon the keeping of God’s commandments.

DA 497.3

The lawyer said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Jesus said, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.”

DA 497.4

The lawyer was not satisfied with the position and works of the Pharisees. He had been studying the Scriptures with a desire to learn their real meaning. He had a vital interest in the matter, and had asked in sincerity, “What shall I do?” In his answer as to the requirements of the law, he passed by all the mass of ceremonial and ritualistic precepts. For these he claimed no value, but presented the two great principles on which hang all the law and the prophets. This answer, being commended by Christ, placed the Saviour on vantage ground with the rabbis. They could not condemn Him for sanctioning that which had been advanced by an expositor of the law.

DA 498.1

“This do, and thou shalt live,” Jesus said. He presented the law as a divine unity, and in this lesson taught that it is not possible to keep one precept, and break another; for the same principle runs through them all. Man’s destiny will be determined by his obedience to the whole law. Supreme love to God and impartial love to man are the principles to be wrought out in the life.

DA 498.2

The lawyer found himself a lawbreaker. He was convicted under Christ’s searching words. The righteousness of the law, which he claimed to understand, he had not practiced. He had not manifested love toward his fellow man. Repentance was demanded; but instead of repenting, he tried to justify himself. Rather than acknowledge the truth, he sought to show how difficult of fulfillment the commandment is. Thus he hoped both to parry conviction and to vindicate himself in the eyes of the people. The Saviour’s words had shown that his question was needless, since he had been able to answer it himself. Yet he put another question, saying, “Who is my neighbor?”

DA 498.3

Among the Jews this question caused endless dispute. They had no doubt as to the heathen and the Samaritans; these were strangers and enemies. But where should the distinction be made among the people of their own nation, and among the different classes of society? Whom should the priest, the rabbi, the elder, regard as neighbor? They spent their lives in a round of ceremonies to make themselves pure. Contact with the ignorant and careless multitude, they taught, would cause defilement that would require wearisome effort to remove. Were they to regard the “unclean” as neighbors?

DA 498.4

Again Jesus refused to be drawn into controversy. He did not denounce the bigotry of those who were watching to condemn Him. But by a simple story He held up before His hearers such a picture of the outflowing of heaven-born love as touched all hearts, and drew from the lawyer a confession of the truth.

DA 498.5

The way to dispel darkness is to admit light. The best way to deal with error is to present truth. It is the revelation of God’s love that makes manifest the deformity and sin of the heart centered in self.

DA 499.1

“A certain man,” said Jesus, “was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; and he fell among robbers, which both stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance a certain priest was going down that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And in like manner a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side.” Luke 10:30-32, R. V. This was no imaginary scene, but an actual occurrence, which was known to be exactly as represented. The priest and the Levite who had passed by on the other side were in the company that listened to Christ’s words.

DA 499.2

In journeying from Jerusalem to Jericho, the traveler had to pass through a portion of the wilderness of Judea. The road led down a wild, rocky ravine, which was infested by robbers, and was often the scene of violence. It was here that the traveler was attacked, stripped of all that was valuable, wounded and bruised, and left half dead by the wayside. As he lay thus, the priest came that way; but he merely glanced toward the wounded man. Then the Levite appeared. Curious to know what had happened, he stopped and looked at the sufferer. He was convicted of what he ought to do; but it was not an agreeable duty. He wished that he had not come that way, so that he need not have seen the wounded man. He persuaded himself that the case was no concern of his.

DA 499.3

Both these men were in sacred office, and professed to expound the Scriptures. They were of the class specially chosen to be representatives of God to the people. They were to “have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way” (Hebrews 5:2), that they might lead men to understand God’s great love toward humanity. The work they were called to do was the same that Jesus had described as His own when He said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” Luke 4:18.

DA 500.1

The angels of heaven look upon the distress of God’s family upon the earth, and they are prepared to co-operate with men in relieving oppression and suffering. God in His providence had brought the priest and the Levite along the road where the wounded sufferer lay, that they might see his need of mercy and help. All heaven watched to see if the hearts of these men would be touched with pity for human woe. The Saviour was the One who had instructed the Hebrews in the wilderness; from the pillar of cloud and of fire He had taught a very different lesson from that which the people were now receiving from their priests and teachers. The merciful provisions of the law extended even to the lower animals, which cannot express in words their want and suffering. Directions had been given to Moses for the children of Israel to this effect: “If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.” Exodus 23:4, 5. But in the man wounded by robbers, Jesus presented the case of a brother in suffering. How much more should their hearts have been moved with pity for him than for a beast of burden! The message had been given them through Moses that the Lord their God, “a great God, a mighty, and a terrible,” “doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger.” Wherefore He commanded, “Love ye therefore the stranger.” “Thou shalt love him as thyself.” Deuteronomy 10:17-19; Leviticus 19:34.

DA 500.2

Job had said, “The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveler.” And when the two angels in the guise of men came to Sodom, Lot bowed himself with his face toward the ground, and said, “Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant’s house, and tarry all night.” Job 31:32; Genesis 19:2. With all these lessons the priest and the Levite were familiar, but they had not brought them into practical life. Trained in the school of national bigotry, they had become selfish, narrow, and exclusive. When they looked upon the wounded man, they could not tell whether he was of their nation or not. They thought he might be of the Samaritans, and they turned away.

DA 503.1

In their action, as Christ had described it, the lawyer saw nothing contrary to what he had been taught concerning the requirements of the law. But now another scene was presented:

DA 503.2

A certain Samaritan, in his journey, came where the sufferer was, and when he saw him, he had compassion on him. He did not question whether the stranger was a Jew or a Gentile. If a Jew, the Samaritan well knew that, were their condition reversed, the man would spit in his face, and pass him by with contempt. But he did not hesitate on account of this. He did not consider that he himself might be in danger of violence by tarrying in the place. It was enough that there was before him a human being in need and suffering. He took off his own garment with which to cover him. The oil and wine provided for his own journey he used to heal and refresh the wounded man. He lifted him on his own beast, and moved slowly along with even pace, so that the stranger might not be jarred, and made to suffer increased pain. He brought him to an inn, and cared for him through the night, watching him tenderly. In the morning, as the sick man had improved, the Samaritan ventured to go on his way. But before doing this, he placed him in the care of the innkeeper, paid the charges, and left a deposit for his benefit; and not satisfied even with this, he made provision for any further need, saying to the host, “Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.”

DA 503.3

The story ended, Jesus fixed His eyes upon the lawyer, in a glance that seemed to read his soul, and said, “Which of these three, thinkest thou, proved neighbor unto him that fell among the robbers?” Luke 10:36, R. V.

DA 503.4

The lawyer would not, even now, take the name Samaritan upon his lips, and he made answer, “He that showed mercy on him.” Jesus said, “Go, and do thou likewise.”

DA 503.5

Thus the question, “Who is my neighbor?” is forever answered. Christ has shown that our neighbor does not mean merely one of the church or faith to which we belong. It has no reference to race, color, or class distinction. Our neighbor is every person who needs our help. Our neighbor is every soul who is wounded and bruised by the adversary. Our neighbor is everyone who is the property of God.

DA 503.6

In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus gave a picture of Himself and His mission. Man had been deceived, bruised, robbed, and ruined by Satan, and left to perish; but the Saviour had compassion on our helpless condition. He left His glory, to come to our rescue. He found us ready to die, and He undertook our case. He healed our wounds. He covered us with His robe of righteousness. He opened to us a refuge of safety, and made complete provision for us at His own charges. He died to redeem us. Pointing to His own example, He says to His followers, “These things I command you, that ye love one another.” “As I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 15:17; 13:34.

DA 504.1

The lawyer’s question to Jesus had been, “What shall I do?” And Jesus, recognizing love to God and man as the sum of righteousness, had said, “This do, and thou shalt live.” The Samaritan had obeyed the dictates of a kind and loving heart, and in this had proved himself a doer of the law. Christ bade the lawyer, “Go, and do thou likewise.” Doing, and not saying merely, is expected of the children of God. “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” 1 John 2:6.

DA 504.2

The lesson is no less needed in the world today than when it fell from the lips of Jesus. Selfishness and cold formality have well-nigh extinguished the fire of love, and dispelled the graces that should make fragrant the character. Many who profess His name have lost sight of the fact that Christians are to represent Christ. Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others, in the family circle, in the neighborhood, in the church, and wherever we may be, then whatever our profession, we are not Christians.

DA 504.3

Christ has linked His interest with that of humanity, and He asks us to become one with Him for the saving of humanity. “Freely ye have received,” He says, “freely give.” Matthew 10:8. Sin is the greatest of all evils, and it is ours to pity and help the sinner. There are many who err, and who feel their shame and their folly. They are hungry for words of encouragement. They look upon their mistakes and errors, until they are driven almost to desperation. These souls we are not to neglect. If we are Christians, we shall not pass by on the other side, keeping as far as possible from the very ones who most need our help. When we see human beings in distress, whether through affliction or through sin, we shall never say, This does not concern me.

DA 504.4

“Ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness.” Galatians 6:1. By faith and prayer press back the power of the enemy. Speak words of faith and courage that will be as a healing balsam to the bruised and wounded one. Many, many, have fainted and become discouraged in the great struggle of life, when one word of kindly cheer would have strengthened them to overcome. Never should we pass by one suffering soul without seeking to impart to him of the comfort wherewith we are comforted of God.

DA 505.1

All this is but a fulfillment of the principle of the law,—the principle that is illustrated in the story of the good Samaritan, and made manifest in the life of Jesus. His character reveals the true significance of the law, and shows what is meant by loving our neighbor as ourselves. And when the children of God manifest mercy, kindness, and love toward all men, they also are witnessing to the character of the statutes of heaven. They are bearing testimony to the fact that “the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” Psalm 19:7. And whoever fails to manifest this love is breaking the law which he professes to revere. For the spirit we manifest toward our brethren declares what is our spirit toward God. The love of God in the heart is the only spring of love toward our neighbor. “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” Beloved, “if we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us.” 1 John 4:20, 12.

Ellen G. White: The Later Elmshaven Years: 1905-1915 (vol. 6)

The Pacific Press Fire

6BIO 107.2

The stenographic report of the Sabbath-morning meeting makes no mention of the fire. She spoke on “Love Toward God and Man.” Basing her address on the story of the good Samaritan as recorded in Luke 10:25-37,she drove home the importance of compassion, tenderness, and love. “The Lord permits suffering and calamity to come upon men and women,” she declared, “to call us out of our selfishness, to awaken in us the attributes of His character.”—Manuscript 109, 1906 (The Review and Herald, September 13, 1906Ibid., September 20, 1906).

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 54—The Good Samaritan

HLv 335.1

As Christ was teaching the people, “a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” The priests and rabbis had thought to entangle Christ by having the lawyer ask this question. But the Saviour entered into no controversy. “What is written in the law?” He said. “How readest thou?” He turned the question of salvation on the keeping of God’s commandments.

HLv 335.2

The lawyer said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Jesus said, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.”

HLv 335.3

The lawyer had been studying the Scriptures to learn their real meaning. In his answer as to the requirements of the law, he claimed no value for the mass of ceremonial and ritualistic precepts, but presented the two great principles on which hang all the law and the prophets. This answer, being commended by Christ, placed the Saviour on vantage ground with the rabbis.

HLv 335.4

“This do, and thou shalt live,” Jesus said. He presented the law as a divine unity. It is not possible to keep one precept, and break another; the same principle runs through them all. Supreme love to God and impartial love to man are the principles to be wrought out in the life.

HLv 335.5

The lawyer was convicted under Christ’s searching words. He had not manifested love toward his fellowman. But instead of repenting, he tried to justify himself, saying, “Who is my neighbor?”

HLv 336.1

Among the Jews this question caused endless dispute. The heathen and Samaritans were strangers and enemies, but where should the distinction be made among people of their own nation and different classes of society? Were they to regard the ignorant and careless multitude, the “unclean,” as neighbors?

HLv 336.2

Jesus did not denounce the bigotry of those watching to condemn Him. But by a simple story He held up such a picture of the outflowing of heaven-born love as touched all hearts, and drew from the lawyer a confession of the truth. The best way to deal with error is to present truth. “A man,” said Jesus, “was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho; and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.” RSV. This was an actual occurrence, known to be exactly as represented. The priest and Levite were in the company that listened to Christ’s words.

HLv 336.3

From Jerusalem to Jericho the road led down a wild, rocky ravine infested by robbers, often the scene of violence. Here the traveler was attacked and left half dead. The priest merely glanced toward the wounded man. The Levite was convicted of what he ought to do, but persuaded himself that the case was no concern of his.

HLv 336.4

Both these men were of the class specially chosen to be representatives of God to the people. They were to “have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way.” Hebrews 5:2.

HLv 336.5

Angels of heaven look upon the distress of God’s family on earth, and are prepared to cooperate with men in relieving oppression and suffering. All heaven watched to see if the priest and the Levite would be touched with pity for human woe. The Saviour had instructed the Hebrews in the wilderness, and had taught a very different lesson from that which the people were now receiving from their priests and teachers. The message had been given through Moses that the Lord their God “doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger.” “Love ye therefore the stranger.” “Thou shalt love him as thyself.” Deuteronomy 10:18, 19; Leviticus 19:34.

HLv 337.1

But, trained in the school of national bigotry, the priest and Levite had become selfish, narrow, and exclusive. When they looked upon the wounded man they could not tell whether he was of their nation. They thought he might be a Samaritan, and they turned away.

HLv 337.2

But now a Samaritan came where the sufferer was and had compassion on him. The Samaritan well knew that, were their conditions reversed, the stranger, a Jew, would pass him by with contempt. He himself might be in danger of violence by tarrying in the place. It was enough that there was before him a human being in need and suffering. He took off his own garment to cover him. The oil and wine provided for his own journey he used to heal and refresh the wounded man. He lifted him on his own beast and moved slowly along with even pace, so that the stranger might not be jarred and suffer increased pain. He brought him to an inn and cared for him through the night, watching him tenderly.

HLv 337.3

In the morning, the Samaritan, before going on his way, placed him in the care of the innkeeper, paid the charge, and left a deposit for his benefit. Not satisfied even with this, he made provision for any further need, saying, “Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.”

HLv 337.4

The story ended, Jesus fixed His eyes on the lawyer and said, “Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” RSV. The lawyer answered, “He that showed mercy on him.” Jesus said, “Go, and do thou likewise.”

HLv 337.5

Thus the question, “Who is my neighbor?” is forever answered. Our neighbor is every person who needs our help, every soul wounded and bruised by the adversary, everyone who is the property of God.

HLv 338.1

In the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus gave a picture of Himself and His mission. Man had been bruised, robbed, and left to perish by Satan. But the Saviour left His glory to come to our rescue. He healed our wounds. He covered us with His robe of righteousness. He made complete provision for us as His own charges. Pointing to His own example, He says to His followers, “As I have loved you, ... love one another.” John 13:34.

HLv 338.2

The Samaritan had obeyed the dictates of a kind and loving heart and in this had proved himself a doer of the law. Christ bade the lawyer, “Go, and do thou likewise.”

HLv 338.3

The lesson is no less needed today. Selfishness and cold formality have well-nigh extinguished the fire of love and dispelled the graces that should make fragrant the character. Many who profess His name have forgotten that Christians are to represent Christ. Unless there is practical self-sacrifice for the good of others wherever we may be, whatever our profession, we are not Christians.

HLv 338.4

Christ asks us to be one with Him for the saving of humanity. “Freely ye have received,” He says, “freely give.” Matthew 10:8. Many err and feel their shame and folly. They are hungry for encouragement. They look on their mistakes until they are driven almost to desperation. If we are Christians, when we see human beings in distress, whether through affliction, or through sin, we shall never say, This does not concern me.

HLv 338.5

The story of the good Samaritan and the character of Jesus reveal the true significance of the law and what is meant by loving our neighbor as ourselves. And when the children of God manifest love toward all men, they also are witnessing to the character of the statutes of heaven. “If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and His love is perfected in us.” 1 John 4:12.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 8, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 8, 1895, par. 22

But every truth which is essential for us to bring into our practical life, which concerns the salvation of the soul, is made very clear and positive. The question asked Christ by the lawyer, was turned over to himself to answer; for Christ knew that the law was understood by him. “He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?” To the lawyer’s plain scriptural statements, Christ said, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” To His question, “Who is my neighbor?” Christ answered by the parable of the good Samaritan. [Luke 10:25-37.]

10LtMs, Lt 8, 1895, par. 24

This corresponds with the instruction given to the multitude in answer to the lawyer’s question, “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” [Luke 10:25.] The same answer was given to the young ruler who asked a similar question, “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And he said unto him, ... If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” Then by quoting the precepts of Jehovah He showed that He referred to the ten holy precepts. The young man claimed to have kept all these, and asked, “What lack I yet?” [Matthew 19:16-20.]

10LtMs, Lt 8, 1895, par. 26

At the peril of our souls we must know the prescribed conditions given by Him who has given His own life to save us from ruin. We will certainly be lost if we float along with the current of the world, receiving the saying of men. By our selfish love of ease and by our indolence we endanger our souls and the souls of others. We are to seek earnestly to know what saith the Lord. Human assertions, even from priests and rulers, will not help my case. I must know what conditions are imposed on me, that I may co-operate with God in the saving of my own soul. I cannot satisfy the claims of God upon me as His human agent, by meeting the ideas and opinions of even teachers of doctrines, unless they harmonize with the voice of God. “What saith the law? how readest thou?” is the question from the greatest of all teachers. [Luke 10:26.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 82, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 82, 1895, par. 23

Sunday afternoon, although pressed under heavy burdens, I spoke in the tent from Luke 10:25-37. The cloud of perplexity brought upon me by others was broken, and the Sun of Righteousness beamed forth upon me. I had words to speak given me of God, and I knew the people present were under the spell of the Holy Spirit. It was the last time I was to address them. I felt the sustaining grace and power of God comforting and blessing me that I might present the truth as it is in Jesus. When I had finished speaking, I was greeted by quite a number, who thanked me for the light given them in the discourse that afternoon. But my heart said, “Will they obey? Will they walk in the way of the commandments of God?”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 58, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 58, 1898, par. 8

On Sunday night a large number who were not of our faith were out to hear. The burden of the travail for souls came upon me. I had a plain, straightforward, unvarnished testimony to bear. I spoke for more than an hour from Luke 10:25-37. I could not read the hearts of the many present who were transgressors of the law, but I presented the difference between obedience and disobedience in the reality that forced itself upon my mind. I spoke of temperance and intemperance, of the world as it was before the flood and before the destruction of Sodom, of the value of the human soul in the light of the cross of Calvary, of the sacrilegious feast of Belshazzar and its result, of the writing on the wall, “Thou art weighed in the balances and found wanting.” [Daniel 5:27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 184, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 184, 1898, par. 12

I feel very thankful that the Lord has given me rest in sleep the past night. I addressed a large audience last evening. There were about three hundred present. The Lord gave me great freedom in speaking to the people, largely composed of those not of our faith. I spoke from Luke 10:25-37.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 150, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 150, 1899, par. 17

True religion is human nature brought to the perfection of the character of Christ. “I have kept my Father’s commandments,” Christ declared. [John 15:10.] Outward show, expensive churches, a multiplicity of ceremonies and traditions, is not religion. Purity of heart and lowliness of life alone bear the signature of heaven. A certain lawyer came to Christ with the question, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Christ placed the answering of the question upon the lawyer himself. “What is written in the law?” He asked. “How readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God will all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Christ said, “Thou hast answered right; this do, and thou shalt live.” But the lawyer, willing to justify himself, said, “And who is my neighbor?” Then by the parable of the good Samaritan Christ showed who is our neighbor. [Luke 10:25-37.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Lt 22, 1901

16LtMs, Lt 22, 1901, par. 16

Christ’s words in (Luke 10:25-37) should be studied critically by the people of God, and should be applied by them to their individual cases. The question is asked by the lawyer, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Christ lays the burden of the answer upon the questioner. Before that large crowd of Scribes and Pharisees, who were eagerly watching to see if they could not catch Him in His words and then accuse Him and put Him to death, He said to the lawyer, “What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy strength and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.”

16LtMs, Lt 22, 1901, par. 19

A strange work has been done in the church at Healdsburg, a work that but poorly meets the requirements of God’s Word. The members have neither loved God supremely nor their neighbor as themselves. There has been sharp practice in business deal. Professed believers in the truth have hurt their brethren, spiritually and financially, by a wicked example; and God has been greatly dishonored. There are men whose spiritual eyesight is dim, who cannot see the tendency or the result of their own actions. God calls upon them to halt, and to ask, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” [Verse 25.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 101, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 101, 1901, par. 45

“And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right; this do and thou shalt live. But he, willing to justify himself, said <petulantly> unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor? And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” [Luke 10:25-37.]

16LtMs, Ms 101, 1901, par. 52

Those who reject the gospel of mercy reject the Saviour. We advise all who wish to gain eternal life to obey the words, “This do, and thou shalt live.” [Luke 10:28.] Those on whose pathway the light of heaven shines are responsible for the use they make of the light. The greater the light, the greater the darkness which comes if it is not received.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 189, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 189, 1907, par. 19

What we want is religion. What we want is that eternal life insurance policy. We want to be educated in the line of love Christ will all our heart, with all our mind, with all our soul. When the lawyer asked Christ what he should do to have eternal life, Christ turned the question right to the lawyer. He asked him, “What saith the Scriptures, how readest thou?” The lawyer said, “Thou shalt love ... neighbor as thyself.” Now that is the Scripture. Then the question arose, “Who is my neighbor?” Then He brings up a case that they had had right amongst them. [Luke 10:25-37.] (Quote from Bible).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 42, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 42, 1907, par. 16

“And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And on the morrow, when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him: and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again I will repay thee. Which now of these three, thinkest thou was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said, He that had mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go thou and do likewise.” [Luke 10:25-37.]

Lift Him Up

Always Presenting the Word of God, March 19

LHU 92.1

What is written in the law? How do you read it? Luke 10:26.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

Keep the Commandments

1SAT 231.1

The lawyer asked, “What may I do that I may inherit eternal life?” What did Christ tell him? He said, “What of the law? How readest thou?” and put the burden right upon the law. The Jews had sent him to Christ hoping they could find something whereby they could catch Christ in His words. The question was put on the lawyer’s lips by the scribes and the Pharisees, but, said Christ, “What saith the law and the prophets? How readest thou?” (See Luke 10:26.) Thou shalt love the Lord with one-quarter of your heart? No. One-half of your soul? That is all we can expect from those who are serving Christ and mammon. Two-thirds? No. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength” (Mark 12:30). All there is of us. “And thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (V. 31).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 39, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 39, 1893, par. 11

Christ the Son of God proclaimed His coming. The angels, who addressed the disciples who were intently gazing upward to catch the last glimpse of their ascending Lord, proclaimed His second coming. “This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” [Acts 1:11.] Why, then, should Seventh-day Adventists be stigmatized as fanatics? In the teachings of Christ He was ceaselessly referring to the Scriptures. Whenever a question was put to Him His answer was, “Have ye not read?” “What saith the Scriptures?” “How readest thou?” [Luke 10:26.] “Search the Scriptures.” [John 5:39.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)

Lt 20, 1895

10LtMs, Lt 20, 1895, par. 9

When questioners came to Christ He referred them to the Scriptures, saying, “Have ye not read?” To the lawyer He said, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” [Luke 10:26.] He could have answered every question from His own infinite wisdom, but He met objections and queries as the human agent must meet them, from the written Word. He wants every advocate of truth to follow His example in this respect. Never meet railings and falsehoods and bitter accusings with the words of man’s wisdom. The Lord’s workers are never to make charges, never to make thrusts at opponents, but have the mind well stored with Scripture, and be able to draw the sword of truth, a “Thus saith the Lord.” (See Matthew 12:34-37.)

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 66, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 66, 1898, par. 18

The spirit of men has striven for the mastery against God. The man who trusts in man will receive the spirit and sentiments of men as wiser and safer than God’s. But those who trust in God, who can, like Moses, come into the mount with God, will be kept by the power of God calm and composed above the influence of the boisterous accusations and the shocks that ruffle and discompose the minds of men. Nothing can sway from right principles the men who will make the Word of God their guide. Ever before their minds is the question, “What is written in the law?” “How readest thou?” [Luke 10:26.] “What hath God said?” No word from men or from ministers in the highest position can make them set their feet in questionable paths. In earnest prayer with God they have shod their feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 48, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 48, 1899, par. 40

When a question was brought to Christ, His answer was, “Have ye not read?” “What saith the Scripture?” [Matthew 12:3.] Christ could have answered every perplexing question to Him, but He did not do this. He directed His questioners to the great storehouse of light and knowledge. He was not always to be with them in human form, and He would put into their hands the Word of the living God. “How readest thou?” He said; “Search the Scriptures.” [Luke 10:26; Matthew 5:39.] He referred them to His own inspired textbook, that when tempted by the enemy, they might meet him as He had done, saying, “It is written.” Thus the truth would be sent home to the heart, and Satan would be driven back. Satan can have no power over the soul that relies on the living testimony.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 165, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 165, 1902, par. 1

This morning I am grateful to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ that I slept well during the night, and that the peace of the Saviour abides in my heart. I awoke at three o’clock with peace of mind and with the assurance that my talk on the Sabbath was just what our people needed. Every one should understand the Scriptures. “What saith the law?” Christ inquires. “How readest thou?” [Luke 10:26.]

Our Father Cares

Schemes of Satan, March 19

OFC 90.2

It is unsafe to trust to feelings or impressions; these are unreliable guides. God’s law is the only correct standard of holiness. It is by this law that character is to be judged. If an inquirer after salvation were to ask, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” the modern teachers of sanctification would answer, “Only believe that Jesus saves you.” But when Christ was asked this question He said, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” And when the questioner replied, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, ... and thy neighbour as thyself,” Jesus said, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” Luke 10:26-28.

The Faith I Live By

Schemes of Satan, July 30

FLB 217.2

It is unsafe to trust to feelings or impressions; these are unreliable guides. God’s law is the only correct standard of holiness. It is by this law that character is to be judged. If an inquirer after salvation were to ask, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” the modern teachers of sanctification would answer, “Only believe that Jesus saves you.” But when Christ was asked this question He said, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” And when the questioner replied, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, ... and thy neighbour as thyself,” Jesus said, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” Luke 10:26-28.85The Review and Herald, October 5, 1886.

The Upward Look

Obedience Is the Price, July 26

UL 221.1

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. Luke 10:27.

UL 221.3

When this question was asked by the lawyer, Christ knew that the suggestion came from His bitterest enemies, who were setting a trap to catch Him in His words. The Lord Jesus responded to the question by placing the burden upon the lawyer to answer his own question before that crowd. “What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live” (Luke 10:26-28). Obedience to the commandments of God is the price of eternal life.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

A Divine Prescription

1SAT 350.5

“What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? (Mark 10:17), asked the lawyer of Christ. “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” the Saviour said. The lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself,” and Christ replied, “Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live” (Luke 10:26-28). Those who will obey these two great principles will have the constant blessing of God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 113, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 113, 1890, par. 20

The question was asked by the lawyer what he should do that he might have eternal life. Christ bade him answer his own question, “What is written in the law? how readest thou? And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.” Luke 10:26-28. Here, dear household, are the conditions of eternal life. It is well to intelligently count the cost, now, and decide whether eternal life is worthy of the renunciation of everything else to obtain it.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 75, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 75, 1898, par. 3

“And recovering of sight to the blind.” [Verse 18.] The Jewish nation were spiritually blind. By their wicked works they had separated themselves from God. They were great sticklers for the law, but they were continually transgressing the law, and teaching maxims, traditions, and doctrines of men for the commandments of God, thus misleading the people. [As] the religionists of that day, they claimed the oracles of God as their authority. Christ exposed their blindness, declaring to them, “Ye are both ignorant of the Scriptures and the power of God.” [Matthew 22:29.] They kept neither of the great principles of the law: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy strength; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Upon these two great principles hang all the law and the prophets. “This do,” said Christ, “and ye shall live.” Deuteronomy 6:4, 5; Luke 10:26-28.

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

To Teachers and Students

CT 403.1

Teacher, weed from your talks all that is not of the highest and best quality. Keep before the students those sentiments only that are essential. Never should the physician, minister, or teacher prolong his talks until the alpha is forgotten in long-drawn-out assertions that are not of the least benefit. When this is done, the mind is swamped with a multitude of words that it cannot retain. Let the talks given be short and right to the point. Let the mind be kept sweet and pure, and open to heaven’s first law, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Luke 10:27. If those who act a part in the training of the youth will leave many things unsaid, and present before the students the importance of the principles they must obey in order to have eternal life, there will be seen a work of true reform.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Ms 139, 1907

22LtMs, Ms 139, 1907, par. 17

The law of God is to be obeyed. God’s Word sums up obedience of God’s law in the words, “thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] God’s law is a law of mercy, an expression of goodness; it holds His creatures responsible for allegiance to Him, places them under obligation to reveal in their characters the attributes of its Author. Through the power of the Holy Spirit the law of God is to be exemplified in the life of the Christian.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 22 (1907)

Lt 200, 1907

22LtMs, Lt 200, 1907, par. 11

The first great commandment of the law is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.” [Luke 10:27.] Who among us obey this commandment? God asks for the heart’s best and holiest service; but careless hearts turn away from Him to taste of the cup of folly and sin, and thus God is mocked. How many living on Norfolk Island have heard the instruction of the Word of God, but have turned away with decided refusal to obey its instruction? The Searcher of hearts knows who are they who turn from His law, saying, I want not Thy will and Thy way O God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 50, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 50, 1908, par. 6

While selfishness abounds in the world, see that you keep your own soul free from every taint of selfishness. Let not one thread be drawn into the web of your experience. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)

Lt 346, 1908

23LtMs, Lt 346, 1908, par. 6

The Lord demands the cultivation of every talent. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thy self.” [Luke 10:27.] Our words, our prayers, our voluntary and sincere service, our humble, earnest efforts to represent precious, saving truth—by all these we are to show our love for Him who gave His life for us. O that our efforts to bless others might be in proportion to the light we have received! But we do not render to God returns that are proportionate to the wonderful truths we claim to believe.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 3 [Nos. 162-209]

MR No. 165—Church and State Relationships

3MR 43.1

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself” (Luke 10:27). These words sum up the whole duty of man. They mean the consecration of the whole being, body, soul, and spirit, to God’s service. How can men obey these words, and at the same time pledge themselves to support that which deprives their neighbors of freedom of action? And how can men obey these words, and form combinations that rob the poorer classes of the advantages which justly belong to them, preventing them from buying or selling, except under certain conditions? How plainly the words of God have predicted this condition of things. John writes, “I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.... And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name” [Revelation 13:11-17].

Manuscript Releases, vol. 2 [Nos. 97-161]

MR No. 129—Counsel Regarding Labor Unions

2MR 179.2

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself” (Luke 10:27). These words sum up the whole duty of man. They mean the consecration of the whole being—body, soul, and spirit—to God’s service. How can men obey these words and at the same time pledge themselves to support that which deprives their neighbors of freedom of action? And how can men obey these words and form combinations that rob the poorer classes of the advantages which justly belong to them, preventing them from buying or selling, except under certain conditions? How plainly the words of God have predicted this condition of things. John writes, “I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.... And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name” (Revelation 13:11-17).—Letter 26, 1903, pp. 2, 3. (To Elder and Mrs. J. A. Burden, December 10, 1902.)

Maranatha

Spiritism and Revolution, May 18

Mar 146.1

He answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, ... and thy neighbour as thyself. Luke 10:27.

Mar 146.7

In every generation and in every land the true foundation and pattern for character building have been the same. The divine law, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, ... and thy neighbour as thyself” (Luke 10:27), the great principle made manifest in the character and life of our Saviour, is the only secure foundation and the only sure guide.27Education, 227-229.

Our High Calling

Weighing in for Heaven, May 13

OHC 139.4

The God of heaven is true. There is not a motive in the depths of the heart, not a secret within us, not a design that God does not fully comprehend. But what is the standard of justice? God’s law. God’s law is placed in one scale, His holy immutable law whose claims are specified, taking, in the first four commandments, supreme love to God, and in the last six, love to our neighbor. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, ... and thy neighbour as thyself.” Luke 10:27. From this standard we will not subtract one atom. God requires all the heart, mind, soul, and strength, and “love thy neighbour as thyself.” This is placed in one scale, while every individual character has to pass the weighing test by being placed in the opposite scale. And by its just comparison every man’s doom is irretrievably fixed....

Our High Calling

Examine Yourselves, November 26

OHC 336.6

Let us examine our hearts in the light of the great principles of the law of God as defined by Christ: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” Luke 10:27.45The Review and Herald, April 29, 1884.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 27—The Law Given to Israel

PP 305.2

The law was not spoken at this time exclusively for the benefit of the Hebrews. God honored them by making them the guardians and keepers of His law, but it was to be held as a sacred trust for the whole world. The precepts of the Decalogue are adapted to all mankind, and they were given for the instruction and government of all. Ten precepts, brief, comprehensive, and authoritative, cover the duty of man to God and to his fellow man; and all based upon the great fundamental principle of love. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Luke 10:27. See also Deuteronomy 6:4, 5; Leviticus 19:18. In the Ten Commandments these principles are carried out in detail, and made applicable to the condition and circumstances of man.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 5—Solomon’s Repentance

PK 82.4

In every generation and in every land the true foundation and pattern for character building have been the same. The divine law, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, ... and thy neighbor as thyself,” the great principle made manifest in the character and life of our Saviour, is the only secure foundation, the only sure guide. Luke 10:27. “Wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation,” the wisdom and knowledge which God’s word alone can impart. Isaiah 33:6.

Education

Chapter 1—Source and Aim of True Education

Ed 16.1

Love, the basis of creation and of redemption, is the basis of true education. This is made plain in the law that God has given as the guide of life. The first and great commandment is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind.” Luke 10:27. To love Him, the infinite, the omniscient One, with the whole strength, and mind, and heart, means the highest development of every power. It means that in the whole being—the body, the mind, as well as the soul—the image of God is to be restored.

Reflecting Christ

The World Needs People of Noble Character, October 2

RC 289.6

In every generation and in every land the true foundation and pattern for character building have been the same. The divine law, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart ...; and thy neighbour as thyself” (Luke 10:27), the great principle made manifest in the character and life of our Saviour, is the only secure foundation and the only sure guide....

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 62—Justified by Faith

1SM 395.1

In order to be candidates for heaven we must meet the requirement of the law: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself” (Luke 10:27). We can do this only as we grasp by faith the righteousness of Christ. By beholding Jesus we receive a living, expanding principle in the heart, and the Holy Spirit carries on the work, and the believer advances from grace to grace, from strength to strength, from character to character. He conforms to the image of Christ, until in spiritual growth he attains unto the measure of the full stature in Christ Jesus. Thus Christ makes an end of the curse of sin, and sets the believing soul free from its action and effect.

Selected Messages Book 2

Chapter 14—Avoiding Labor Conflicts

2SM 143.4

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself” (Luke 10:27). These words sum up the whole duty of man. They mean the consecration of the whole being, body, soul, and spirit, to God’s service. How can men obey these words, and at the same time pledge themselves to support that which deprives their neighbors of freedom of action? And how can men obey these words, and form combinations that rob the poorer classes of the advantages which justly belong to them, preventing them from buying or selling, except under certain conditions?—Letter 26, 1903.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

The Will of God Concerning Us

8T 64.4

This is the will of God concerning human beings, even their sanctification. In urging our way upward, heavenward, every faculty must be kept in the most healthy condition, prepared to do faithful service. The powers with which God has endowed man are to be put to the stretch. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Luke 10:27. Man cannot possibly do this of himself; he must have divine aid. What part is the human agent to act? “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12, 13.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8

A High Standard

8T 164.3

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Luke 10:27. Just before He left His disciples to return to heaven, Christ declared: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” Here we see the standard lifted higher and still higher. “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:34, 35. The disciples could not then comprehend Christ’s words; but after His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension they understood His love as never before. They had seen it expressed in His suffering in the garden, in the judgment hall, and in His death on the cross of Calvary.

The Faith I Live By

The Great Principle of the Law, March 21

FLB 86.2

The law was not spoken ... exclusively for the benefit of the Hebrews. God honored them by making them the guardians and keepers of His law, but it was to be held as a sacred trust for the whole world. The precepts of the Decalogue are adapted to all mankind, and they were given for the instruction and government of all. Ten precepts, brief, comprehensive, and authoritative, cover the duty of man to God and to his fellow man; and all based upon the great fundamental principle of love. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.” Luke 10:27.83Patriarchs and Prophets, 305.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 14—Later English Reformers

GC88 259.3

Said John Wesley, referring to the charges against himself and his associates: “Some allege that the doctrines of these men are false, erroneous, and enthusiastic; that they are new and unheard-of till of late; that they are Quakerism, fanaticism, popery. This whole pretense has been already cut up by the roots, it having been shown at large that every branch of this doctrine is the plain doctrine of Scripture interpreted by our own church. Therefore it cannot be false or erroneous, provided the Scripture be true.” “Others allege that their doctrines are too strict; that they make the way to Heaven too narrow; and this is in truth the original objection, as it was almost the only one for some time, and is secretly at the bottom of a thousand more which appear in various forms. But do they make the way to Heaven any narrower than our Lord and his apostles made it? Is their doctrine stricter than that of the Bible? Consider only a few plain texts: ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.’ [Luke 10:27.] ‘Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of Judgment.’ [Matthew 12:36.] ‘Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.’ [1 Corinthians 10:31.]

The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 4

Chapter 10—Later Reformers

4SP 178.1

Said John Wesley, referring to the charges against himself and his associates: “Some allege that the doctrines of these men are false, erroneous, and enthusiastic; that they are new and unheard-of till of late; that they are Quakerism, fanaticism, popery. This whole pretense has been already cut up by the roots, it having been shown at large that every branch of this doctrine is the plain doctrine of Scripture interpreted by our own church. Therefore it cannot be false or erroneous, provided the Scripture be true.” “Others allege that their doctrines are too strict; they make the way to Heaven too narrow; and this is in truth the original objection, as it was almost the only one for some time, and is secretly at the bottom of a thousand more which appear in various forms. But do they make the way to Heaven any narrower than our Lord and his apostles made it? Is their doctrine stricter than that of the Bible? Consider only a few plain texts: ‘Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.’ [Luke 10:27.] ‘Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of Judgment.’ [Matthew 12:36.] ‘Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.’ [1 Corinthians 10:31.]

This Day With God

Heart Service, February 13

TDG 52.1

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. Luke 10:27.

Education

Chapter 25—Education and Character

Ed 228.4

In every generation and in every land the true foundation and pattern for character building have been the same. The divine law, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart; ... and thy neighbor as thyself” (Luke 10:27), the great principle made manifest in the character and life of our Saviour, is the only secure foundation and the only sure guide.

To Be Like Jesus

Jesus Requires Wholehearted Commitment, July 2

BLJ 196.1

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,” and “your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27, NKJV.

Ye Shall Receive Power

Free From the Curse of Sin, February 26

YRP 65.4

In order to be candidates for heaven we must meet the requirement of the law: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself” (Luke 10:27). We can do this only as we grasp by faith the righteousness of Christ. By beholding Jesus we receive a living, expanding principle in the heart, and the Holy Spirit carries on the work, and the believer advances from grace to grace, from strength to strength, from character to character. He conforms to the image of Christ, until in spiritual growth he attains unto the measure of the full stature in Christ Jesus. Thus Christ makes an end of the curse of sin, and sets the believing soul free from its action and effect.—Selected Messages 1:394, 395.

A New Life (Revival and Beyond)

Fit to Be Saved

NL 26.2

In order to be candidates for heaven we must meet the requirement of the law: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself” (Luke 10:27). We can do this only as we grasp by faith the righteousness of Christ. By beholding Jesus we receive a living, expanding principle in the heart, and the Holy Spirit carries on the work, and the believer advances from grace to grace, from strength to strength, from character to character. He conforms to the image of Christ, until in spiritual growth he attains unto the measure of the full stature in Christ Jesus. Thus Christ makes an end of the curse of sin, and sets the believing soul free from its action and effect.

Letters to Physicians and Ministers

A High Standard

SpTB01 11.1

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Luke 10:27. Just before He left His disciples to return to heaven, Christ declared, “A new commandment I give unto you. That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” Here we see the standard lifted higher and still higher. “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:34, 35. The disciples could not then comprehend Christ’s words, but after His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, they understood His love as never before. They had seen it expressed in His suffering in the garden, in the judgment-hall, and in His death on the cross of Calvary.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

The Student’s Privilege

1SAT 332.4

God wants you to receive the wisdom that He has for you. He wants you to be Bible students and Bible believers, living in obedience to the words, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind: and thy neighbor as thyself” [Luke 10:27]. Then He can bestow on you the power of His truth. Then He can mold and fashion you after the divine similitude. Living in conformity to Christ’s will, you will be changed into His likeness. You will grow up into Him, and at last the pearly gates of the holy city will for you swing back on their glittering hinges, and you will enter to hear the words, “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city” [Revelation 22:14]. In your hands will be placed a golden harp and, touching its strings, you will join with the redeemed host in filling all heaven with songs of praise to God and to His Son.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

Words to Students

1SAT 338.5

God wants you to receive the wisdom that He has for you. He wants you to be Bible students and Bible believers, living in obedience to the words, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself” [Luke 10:27]. Then he can bestow on you the power of His truth. Then He can mold and fashion you after the divine similitude. Living in conformity to Christ’s will, you will be changed into His likeness. You will grow up into Him, and at last the pearly gates of the holy city will for you swing back on their glittering hinges, and you will enter to hear the words, “Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city” [Revelation 22:14]. In your hands will be placed a golden harp, and touching its strings, you will join with the redeemed host in filling all heaven with songs of praise to God and His Son.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

“Your Reasonable Service”

2TT 214.2

In the time of ancient Israel the priests critically examined every offering that was brought as a sacrifice. If any defect was discovered, the animal was refused; for the Lord had commanded that the offering should be “without blemish.” We are to present our bodies a living sacrifice to God, and should we not seek to make the offering as perfect as possible? God has given us every instruction necessary for our physical, mental, and moral well-being; and it is the duty of every one of us to bring our habits of life into conformity with the divine standard in every particular. Will the Lord be pleased with anything less than the best we can offer? “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart.” Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27. If you do love Him with all your heart you will desire to give Him the best service of your life, and you will seek to bring every power of your being into harmony with the laws that will promote your ability to do His will.

From Eternity Past

Chapter 27—God Gives His Law on Mount Sinai

EP 210.4

God honored the Hebrews by making them the guardians and keepers of His law, but it was to be held as a sacred trust for the whole world. The precepts of the Decalogue are adapted to all mankind, and they were given for the instruction and government of all. Ten precepts, brief, comprehensive, and authoritative, cover the duty of man to God and to his fellowman, and all based upon the great fundamental principle of love. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Luke 10:27. In the Ten Commandments these principles are made applicable to man.

True Revival

Fit to Be Saved

TR 34.3

In order to be candidates for heaven we must meet the requirement of the law: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself” (Luke 10:27). We can do this only as we grasp by faith the righteousness of Christ. By beholding Jesus we receive a living, expanding principle in the heart, and the Holy Spirit carries on the work, and the believer advances from grace to grace, from strength to strength, from character to character. He conforms to the image of Christ, until in spiritual growth he attains unto the measure of the full stature in Christ Jesus. Thus Christ makes an end of the curse of sin, and sets the believing soul free from its action and effect.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Ms 7, 1868

1LtMs, Ms 7, 1868, par. 17

From the lips of the heavenly Teacher was heard, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy strength.” [Luke 10:27.] When submission is made to God, true humility will grace every action, while at the same time those who are thus allied to God and His heavenly angels will possess a becoming dignity savoring of heaven. The Lord requires His servants to be energetic. It is not pleasing to Him to see His servants listless and indifferent. They profess to have the evidence that God has especially selected them to teach people the way to life, yet their conversation is not profitable, and they give every evidence that they have not the burden of the work upon them. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” [Ecclesiastes 9:10.] The soul must be trained to work earnestly and with untiring zeal for God, and pull souls out of the fire. Feel the power of the truth in your own soul, thrilling your own being, then can you possess a power which will affect hearts.

In Heavenly Places

Weighed in Heaven’s Balances, May 29

HP 156.5

There are many who need now to consider the words, “TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting” (Daniel 5:27). God’s holy, everlasting, immutable law is the standard by which man is to be tried. This law defines what we shall do and what we shall not do, saying, Thou shalt, and, Thou shalt not. This law is summed up in the two great principles, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself” (Luke 10:27).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 1 (1844 - 1868)

Lt 5, 1868

1LtMs, Lt 5, 1868, par. 13

I beg of you to read in Volume Four, of Spiritual Gifts, what the Lord has been pleased to communicate to your mother. Read Spiritual Gifts, Volume Three, and all. Read How to Live. Don’t deceive your own soul, be true to your own convictions of duty, true to your own soul. “Be not deceived, God is not mocked.” [Galatians 6:7.] The Lord requires your affections. Says Christ, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Luke 10:27.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 30, 1878

3LtMs, Lt 30, 1878, par. 8

I feel honored to have my children where God can use them. [Luke 10:27.] I have been so pleased to see you, my son, feeling the responsibility of the work. I want that you should be a living embodiment of the truth and religion of Jesus Christ, and of the holy law which says, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, ... and thy neighbor as thyself.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Lt 14, 1884

4LtMs, Lt 14, 1884, par. 2

Brother Newton, it is a duty resting upon you as a man, and doubly so as a Christian, to support your sister in her poverty. Let not the books of heaven show a neglect on your part to do your duty. I know that departure from God has a tendency to make the heart very unimpressible. I am sorry, very sorry, that Sister Newton, whom I have loved, has let the love of the world, love of self, selfishness, make her heart as hard as a stone; but, my brother, this does not make it necessary for you to be the same—to neglect your own flesh and blood and transgress the law of God. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all the mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Luke 10:27. Here is one nearer than your neighbor, one who has claims upon you. Are you doing your duty to your sister? Remember that the books of heaven will show your neglect.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 65, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 65, 1886, par. 44

The God of heaven is true. There is not a motive in the depths of the heart, not a secret within us, not a design that God does not fully comprehend. But what is the standard of justice? God’s law. God’s law is placed in one scale, His holy immutable law whose claims are specified, taking, in the first four commandments, supreme love to God, and in the last six, love to our neighbor. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, ... and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] From this standard we will not subtract one atom. God requires all the heart, mind, soul, and strength, and “love thy neighbor as thyself.” This is placed in one scale, while every individual character has to pass the weighing test by being placed in the opposite scale. And by its just comparison every man’s doom is irretrievably fixed.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 89, 1886

4LtMs, Ms 89, 1886, par. 2

The only way that we can determine character is by the law of God. What is the law? The detector of sin. The law is not holiness created, but holiness made known. Holiness is perfect happiness. Sin is perfect misery. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and thy neighbor as thyself” [Luke 10:27] was not made when the law was given; it was only proclaimed. The proclamation of the law is mercy, the expression of goodness itself, for it testifies to man what the Creator requires of man on his part. What He ever has and ever will require is perfect obedience to His law, and when Adam failed in obedience to that law sin was brought into the world.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Ms 24, 1887

5LtMs, Ms 24, 1887, par. 35

Many an offense is only imaginary; therefore every one should seek not to think evil. Many a friction can be traced back to a severe face, to an icy reserve toward some person, while to others extreme attachment and warm sympathy are shown. These are not the fruits of the Spirit. Kindliness must be cultivated or else it will dwindle and vanish. When we are actuated by the principles of the gospel, we shall love men for the sake of Christ. We shall no longer see selfish preference and great manifestations of affection toward a small number, while all those outside of the circle are neglected. This is not the love recommended by the Bible nor the Spirit of Christ. There is more in keeping God’s commandments than we think. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and thy neighbor as thyself;” this is the principle to be practiced. [Luke 10:27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 41, 1890

6LtMs, Lt 41, 1890, par. 44

Many have deceived the world, betrayed the cause of Christ, and put the Lord of glory to an open shame by misrepresenting His character. These lie against the truth. They countenance and practice principles that in no way correspond with the truth of God. Many are willing to benefit themselves at another’s disadvantage, and this proves that the truth has not been brought into the sanctuary of the soul, and that God’s law is a dead letter to them. The commandment is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart ... and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] They have failed to learn the lesson of the pure Son of God. The True Witness says, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” [Revelation 2:4, 5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Lt 9, 1892

7LtMs, Lt 9, 1892, par. 1

God has given us in His Word the standard by which every character is to be tested. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] Can you bear the test? Are you ready for the Lord’s line and plummet to take the measurement of your character as you now are? And would you remain thus for eternity?

Lift Him Up

What Is Written in the Law? May 20

LHU 154.1

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself. Luke 10:27.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 1, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 1, 1893, par. 32

While you follow in the course of action you are now pursuing, you suppose yourself sharp; in deal you may be scheming. You may and will, <if you follow on in wrongdoing,> increase in dishonest practices in business deal, but bear in mind “that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.” [Ecclesiastes 11:9.] His Word says, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] Will the Lord favor you in the least dishonest practices and indulgence of intemperance that will rob you of calm reason <whereby you will have clear conceptions to honestly> transact business or to be diligent in business? You will think yourself sharp and cunning, but your reason is sold for liquor. Satan has control of your powers, and the power of self-control will be overcome by the clamors of appetite. Under Satan’s training your life will be wasted, and you will become in character that which you did not suppose you would be.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 31, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 31, 1894, par. 39

What are the principles of the law of God? “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, ... and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] Every soul who obeys the first four commandments will obey the last six commandments and make manifest what is the duty of man to his fellow men. He will manifest tender, pitying love toward every one for whom Christ has died. He will consecrate himself to be a missionary, to be a laborer together with God. All who have the Spirit of Christ are missionaries; they derive zeal and energy from the chief Missionary. They will have the wisdom that comes from God, which is neither a blind impetuosity nor a cold, calculating Pharisaism, but springs from trust in God. “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” [James 3:17, 18.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 57, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 57, 1896, par. 24

All who love God and are loyal to His government will be tempted to change leaders. But God has said, “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” [Exodus 20:3.] “Thou shalt love the Lord God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] The Lord accepts no half heart. He demands the whole man. Religion is to be brought into every phase of life, carried into labor of every kind. The whole man is to come under God’s control. He must not suppose that he can take supervision of his own thoughts. They must be brought into captivity to Jesus Christ. Self cannot manage self; it is not sufficient for the work. Whoever tries to do this will be worsted. God alone can make and keep us loyal.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 1a, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 1a, 1896, par. 4

Pray much; walk humbly with God; make personal efforts. If self is hidden with Christ in God, you will have scriptural, religious life and energy. We must keep asking earnestly. Make short prayers in meetings, and lengthy prayers when you talk and commune with God in your closet. We daily need to be imbued and sustained by His life-giving power. The requirement is “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] Zeal, earnestness, and fervor belong to true worship, for God is a Spirit, and He seeketh such to worship Him who worship Him in Spirit and in truth.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 16, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 16, 1896, par. 27

This is the will of God concerning every human being, even your sanctification. In urging our way upward, heavenward, every faculty must be kept in the most healthy condition, to do the most faithful service. The powers with which God has endowed men are to be put to the stretch. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] Man cannot possibly do this of himself; he must have divine power. What shall the human agent do in the great work? “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” [Philippians 2:12, 13.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 95, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 95, 1896, par. 18

The Word of God declares, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” [Luke 10:27; Matthew 22:40.] The Lord has a controversy with his people, Many of them do not keep His commandments. As a people, we are far from being doers of the Word of God. Self, highly estimated, strives for recognition. We are told to love our neighbors as ourselves, but too often we disregard this command, walking far apart from those we should help, and cherishing self, calling for praise and recognition. But unless we change this course, and diligently study and faithfully practice the word of God, we shall not be able to endure the perils of the last day.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 124, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 124, 1897, par. 34

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind and with all thy strength; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27.] Obedience to this command is the mainspring of the highest eloquence. Those who obey these principles practice true godliness. The soul is purified from selfishness and sensuality and from every phase of sin. It chooses those things that are lovely and of good report, and is a vessel unto honor.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 118, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 118, 1897, par. 33

The young ruler was sorry to part with Christ, but he gave Him up, although he had felt convicted that He could supply the want of his soul. To give up his earthly treasure, that was seen, for the heavenly treasure, that was unseen, was too much of a sacrifice. He decided not to try the experiment. When it was his privilege to choose Christ’s terms, the result showed that he prized the gift higher than the Giver. His claim that he had kept the law from his youth up was a deception, for the commandments of God require the whole man. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, <and thy neighbor as thyself.”> [Luke 10:27.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 11 [Nos. 851-920]

MR No. 920—The Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Lost Son

11MR 373.1

The word given from the beginning is the holy law, spoken from Sinai in majesty and glory. (Exodus 20.) In the words of Christ to the lawyer, we see how important it is that we keep the commandments of God. Said Christ, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself” (Luke 10:27).

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 41, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 41, 1898, par. 27

God weighs every man in the scales of the sanctuary. Each one may have his own individual standard, but God’s holy, immutable law, in which there is no variableness neither shadow of turning, is the standard that all must meet. Read, and take heed, lest ye perish in the way of your own choosing: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] God requires the powers of heart and mind and body. All these are the Lord’s talents, lent by Him to human beings that they may be used to His name’s glory. Life itself is a talent of great value, for when health is once lost, it may be gone for good as far as this world is concerned.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 123, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 123, 1898, par. 19

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy mind, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] But Christ, just before He left His disciples, declared to them, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” Here we see the standard is lifted up higher and still higher. “By this shall all men know that ... ye have love one for another.” [John 13:34, 35.] The disciples could not then comprehend His words, but after His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension they understood His love as they had never understood it before.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 81, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 81, 1898, par. 7

God had made the rich man a steward of His means, and it was his duty to attend to just such cases as that of the beggar. The command had been given, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength, and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] The rich man was a Jew, and he should have known the commands of God. But he entirely forgot that he was accountable to God for the way in which he was using his entrusted means and capabilities. The Lord’s blessings rested upon him abundantly, but he used them selfishly, to honor himself, not his Maker, as if by his own might and power he had acquired his possessions.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 160, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 160, 1898, par. 3

“If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; if they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; then will I visit their transgressions with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.” [Psalm 89:30-33.] What are the two great principles of God’s law? “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy mind, and with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] Upon these two great principles hang all the law and the prophets. It is not the knowledge that we have that there is a living God, but that His moral government extends throughout the universe, reaching even to the fallen world, that should call us to fear and obedience.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 80, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 80, 1898, par. 18

The word given from the beginning is the holy law, spoken from Sinai in majesty and glory (Exodus 20). In the words of Christ to the lawyer we see how important it is that we keep the commandments of God. Said Christ, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind, and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 4a, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 4a, 1898, par. 17

The principles of God’s law are contained in the two great precepts, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] When we realize this, there will be a searching after truth, a deep conviction of the far-reaching claims of God’s law.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 70, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 70, 1898, par. 6

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, ... and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] This is God’s command. Jesus has given an additional requirement, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” [John 13:34.] We are not merely to love our neighbor as ourselves; we are to love one another as Christ has loved us. “As my Father hath loved me, so have I loved you,” He declared, “continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, that ye love one another as I have loved you.” [John 15:9-12.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 153, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 153, 1898, par. 26

This is the condition of our world today. We have reason to expect oppression because of our religious faith, because we see and understand that our obligations to God are to obey His commandments, notwithstanding that in so doing we have to disregard the sentiments of the religious world. The situation of the world is expressed in this chapter. Those who do not obey the principles of the law of God, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength; and thy neighbor as thyself” [Luke 10:27]; those who will not comply with the conditions of the Word of God, will place themselves in opposition to those who do obey. And these will not be satisfied with transgressing the law of God themselves. They will demand that those who are conscientiously keeping the commandments of God shall follow in their steps.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 39a, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 39a, 1898, par. 5

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy mind, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength; and thy neighbor as thyself.” [Luke 10:27.] Just before He left His disciples to return to heaven, Christ declared, “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” Here we see the standard lifted higher and still higher. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one for another.” [John 13:34, 35.] The disciples could not then comprehend Christ’s words, but after His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, they understood His love as never before.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 4 [Nos. 210-259]

The Peril of a Confederacy or an Alliance With Those Who Know Not the Truth (Counsel given in 1890)

4MR 75.5

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself,” (Luke 10:27). These words sum up the whole duty of man. They mean the consecration of the whole being, body, soul, and spirit, to God’s service. How can men obey these words, and at the same time pledge themselves to support that which deprives their neighbors of freedom of action? And how can men obey these words, and form combinations that rob the poorer classes of the advantages which justly belong to them, preventing them from buying or selling, except under certain conditions! How plainly the words of God have predicted this condition of things. John writes, “I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.... And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in the foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”