Self-denial means to rule the spirit when passion is seeking for the mastery; to resist the temptation to censure and to speak faultfinding words; to have patience with the child that is dull and whose conduct is grievous and trying; to stand at the post of duty when others may fail; to lift responsibilities wherever and whenever you can, not for the purpose of applause, not for policy, but for the sake of the Master, who has given you a work to be done with unwavering fidelity; when you might praise yourself, to keep silent and let other lips praise you. Self-denial is to do good to others where inclination would lead you to serve and please yourself. Although your fellow men may never appreciate your efforts or give you credit for them, yet you are to work on. {4T 521.2}

Selvfornægtelse vil sige at beherske sig når lidenskaberne søger efter herredømme; modstå fristelsen at kritisere og være kværulantisk; at man har tålmodighed med det barn, der er tungnemt og som opfører sig frygteligt og ubehageligt; at man står på sin pligtspost selv om andre kan fejle; opløfte ansvar hvor og hvornår du kan, ikke for at få bifald, ikke for snuheds skyld, men for den Mesters skyld, som har givet dig at arbejde at gøre uden vaklen; hvor du i stedet for at rose dig selv, ikke siger noget og lader andre rose dig. Selvfornægtelse er at gøre godt mod andre, hvor man i stedet er tilbøjelig til at tjene og behage sig selv. Selvom dine medmennesker aldrig påskønner dine anstrengelser, eller giver dig anerkendelse for dem, skal du alligevel arbejde videre.