What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "Is self‑love a prerequisite for love of one's neighbor?"
Answer
In the present writings, self‑love is not described as a prerequisite but rather as an obstacle to true neighborly love. True love for others therefore does not arise from the self but from the connection with Christ, whereby one's own “self” must step back for the welfare of others. The biblical command to love one's neighbor “as oneself” is understood as a call to self‑lessness and impartiality, which becomes possible only through a divine transformation of the heart.
Christ Overcomes the Divisive Self‑Love
»Christ tears down the partition of self‑love, the separating prejudice of nationality, and teaches a love for the whole human family. ... He teaches us to regard every needy soul as our neighbor and the world as our field.«
True Love Through the Subordination of the Self
»We do not need to begin by trying to love one another. The love of Christ in the heart is what is needed. When the self is submerged in Christ, true love arises spontaneously.«
Self‑lessness as the Basis of True Development
»Self‑lessness underlies every true development. Through self‑less service we receive the highest training of every ability. More and more we become partakers of the divine nature. We are made fit for heaven, for we receive heaven into our hearts.«
The Danger of Selfishness
»The sin most fully lived out and that separates us from God, causing many contagious spiritual disturbances, is selfishness. There can be no return to the Lord except through self‑denial. ... We should forget the self in the desire to do good to others.«
Love of God and Neighbor as a Life Principle
»The love of Christ cannot exist in the heart without a corresponding love for our fellow humans. The love of God and of our neighbor are the defining principles of the life of a true Christian. ... Yet one who is led out of oneself and away from the self, ... is softened and refined through the practice of compassion for others.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
EGW Vision helps you find topics, statements, and quotes faster, especially when many original sources are not yet fully available in your language. The tool searches semantically, groups relevant content by topic, and presents matching results as clearly as possible in your language.
My hope is that this tool supports personal Bible study, strengthens trust in the original sources, and helps more people discover the message of these writings with clarity, depth, and joy.
