Day 99: Biblical Principle of Love and Service

Biblical Principle:

In the vast expanse of God's Word, a recurring truth stands as both a reminder and a guide for how we should live: God is alone in His sovereignty. No one can compare to Him in might, power, and greatness. He is the God of gods and Lord of lords. In the passage from Deuteronomy 10:17-19, we are reminded of this absolute truth:

"For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt."

God is the supreme ruler of all creation and is not swayed by status or earthly position. He is not seeking any personal gain from us; instead, He is self-sufficient. Despite His unmatched greatness, God has shown immense love and compassion, especially for the marginalized — the fatherless, the widow, and the stranger. And, in His infinite wisdom, He commands us to do the same.

God's love for the stranger, those who are often overlooked or mistreated, is a central aspect of His character, and we are called to mirror that love in our own lives. In this passage, God reminds the Israelites that they were once strangers in Egypt, underscoring the importance of compassion and empathy toward others. Just as God has shown love to us, we are to show love to those around us, especially those in need, regardless of their position or status.

Practical Application:

The beauty of Biblical principles is that they aren’t just lofty ideas but are meant to be lived out in our everyday actions. How can we practically apply the truth that God loves the stranger and calls us to do the same? One way to do this is by showing kindness and care to those around us, especially to the least among us.

A simple yet profound example is found in Mark 9:41-42, where Jesus says:

"For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone was hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea."

Jesus speaks about serving others, even in the most minor acts. Giving a cup of water may seem insignificant, but no act of kindness goes unnoticed in God's kingdom. Jesus emphasizes that our acts of love, however simple, are seen by Him and carry eternal significance.

The message is clear: we are called to serve those around us, especially the vulnerable, with the same love and compassion God has shown us. It could be as simple as helping a neighbor, offering a kind word to someone in need, or extending hospitality to those often overlooked. When we serve the least, we are serving God.

Additionally, Jesus warns that those who harm or neglect "the little ones" — the vulnerable or the marginalized — will face severe consequences. This serves as a sobering reminder that we are responsible for how we treat others, particularly those who cannot repay us or offer anything in return.

Conclusion:

The Biblical principle we reflect on today is clear: God is supreme, and His love extends to all, especially to those who are vulnerable. We are called to follow His example by showing love and care for others, particularly the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow. This is not just a suggestion but a command rooted in the very heart of God.

As we go about our lives, let us remember that the simplest acts of kindness — giving a cup of water, offering a helping hand, or showing compassion to someone in need — carry eternal weight in God's eyes. By living with purpose and intention, we can reflect the love of Christ to those around us and store treasures in heaven, knowing that God sees every act of service, no matter how small.

Let’s strive to walk in His love and grace today, knowing that we are called to serve, not for earthly reward, but for the glory of the One who has loved us first.