Chapter 20—Necessity of Harmony The Spirit of God will not abide where there is disunion and contention among believers in the truth. Even if these feelings are unexpressed, they take possession of the heart, and drive out the peace and love that should characterize the Christian church. They are the result of selfishness in its fullest sense. This evil may take the form of inordinate self-esteem, or of an undue longing for the approbation of others, even if that approbation is obtained undeservedly. Self-exaltation must be renounced by those who profess to love God and keep His commandments, or they need not expect to be blessed by His divine favor. {4T 221.2}

Guds Ånd vil ikke blive der, hvor der er splittelse og strid blandt de troende i sandheden. Også hvis der ikke gives udtryk for dette. De tager hjertet i besiddelse og driver den fred og kærlighed ud, der burde kendetegne den kristne menighed. De er følgen af selviskhed i sin største betydning. Dette onde kan tage form af overdrevet selviskhed eller form af en overdrevet længsel efter andres bifald også hvis dette bifald fås ufortjent. Selvophøjelsen må opgives af dem, som bekender at elske Gud og holde hans bud, ellers skal de ikke forvente at blive velsignet af hans guddommelige gunst.