Matthew 10:7-8 (KJV), “The kingdom of heaven is at hand… freely ye have received, freely give,”

ABSTRACT

This article explores how God’s love is revealed through Christian service, spiritual preparation, and health reform. Drawing from the King James Version Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy’s writings, it emphasizes the call to preach, heal, and live temperately, reflecting divine care for body and soul. Each section highlights practical responsibilities believers undertake to demonstrate God’s transformative love and prepare for Christ’s return.

GOD’S LOVE SHINES THROUGH SERVICE

Jesus’ command in Matthew 10:7-8 (KJV), “The kingdom of heaven is at hand… freely ye have received, freely give,” reveals the heart of Christian service. It calls believers to preach and heal, addressing both spiritual and physical needs. Sr. White reminds us, “Christ’s servants are stewards of His grace. Their work is to reveal His glory and make known His love” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 13, 1901). Proclaiming the gospel and meeting physical needs is a necessity. When we serve others, we reflect God’s love tangibly. Lifting a burden from a struggling neighbor or offering encouragement to the discouraged echoes Christ’s care. Additional KJV verses affirm this: “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, KJV). “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, KJV). Sr. White further states, “The work of God… is to be carried forward by acts of love and mercy” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 551, 1911). She also writes, “Love to man is the earthward manifestation of the love of God” (The Desire of Ages, p. 641, 1898). Through service, how can we declare that faith is a lifestyle, not merely words?

PREPARE YE THE WAY FOR CHRIST

The prophetic messages in Isaiah 40:3-5 (KJV) and Malachi 4:5-6 (KJV) urge believers to prepare the way for Christ’s return. John the Baptist fulfilled this role, calling for repentance and holiness. Sr. White emphasizes, “As John prepared the way for Christ’s first advent, we are to prepare for His second coming” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 62, 1872). Through self-examination, repentance, and reform, we reflect God’s love, which patiently invites all to turn back to Him. Scriptures reinforce this: “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Isaiah 40:3, KJV). “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19, KJV). Sr. White adds, “The work of preparation is an individual work” (The Great Controversy, p. 622, 1888). She also notes, “God calls for a spiritual revival and a spiritual reformation” (Selected Messages, Book 1, p. 128, 1958). How often do we balance warning against sin with offering hope, demonstrating divine mercy?

HEALTH REFORM: GOD’S CARE FOR ALL

Health reform is integral to spiritual readiness. Deuteronomy 8:3 (KJV) teaches that man lives not by bread alone but by God’s word. Sr. White highlights, “Health reform… is essential to preparation for Christ’s coming” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 62, 1872). Neglecting health weakens both body and spirit, leaving us vulnerable to temptation. Sr. White warns, “The controlling power of appetite will prove the ruin of thousands” (Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 163, 1938). Supporting verses include: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, KJV). “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16, KJV). Sr. White further states, “The body is to be brought into subjection” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 127, 1905). She also writes, “A pure, healthy life is most favorable for the perfection of Christian character” (Counsels on Health, p. 41, 1923). By practicing temperance, how do we honor God’s care for every aspect of life?

EDUCATION FOR GODLY LIVING

Romans 12:1 (KJV) calls believers to present their bodies as “a living sacrifice.” Practical education in health and temperance equips families and churches to live in harmony with God’s laws. Sr. White writes, “Every church… needs instruction in Christian temperance” (Gospel Workers, p. 347, 1915). Teaching self-denial and reform shows that God’s principles are liberating. Sr. White states, “By precept and example, we are to teach… that the laws of health are the laws of God” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 146, 1905). Supporting scriptures include: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” (Romans 12:1, KJV). “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof” (Romans 6:12, KJV). Sr. White adds, “True education… prepares the student for the joy of service in this world and for the higher joy of wider service in the world to come” (Education, p. 13, 1903). She also notes, “The laws of nature are the laws of God” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 141, 1901). How might your example inspire others to embrace these truths?

GOD’S LOVE GUIDES OUR DUTY

God’s principles reflect His love, showing care for body and soul, restored relationships, and eternal life. Sr. White writes, “The health reform… fits people for the coming of the Lord” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 112, 1901). Health reform demonstrates God’s love by guiding us to self-discipline. Consider 1 Corinthians 10:6, 11 (KJV): “These things… are written for our admonition.” Supporting verses include: “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness” (1 Thessalonians 4:7, KJV). “But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer” (1 Peter 4:7, KJV). Sr. White states, “God’s people are to be channels for the outworking of the highest influence in the universe” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 259, 1909). She also writes, “The Lord desires His people to be sound in body and mind” (Counsels on Health, p. 506, 1923). By obeying God’s principles, how do we become vessels of His transformative love?

EMBRACE GOD’S CALL TO ACTION!

God’s love calls us to service, readiness, and reform. His principles guide us to care for ourselves and others while preparing for Christ’s return. Sr. White notes, “The Lord has made His people the depositaries of His law… to demonstrate its power to transform character” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 9, p. 19, 1909). A summarizing verse captures this: “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23, KJV). Let us embrace these responsibilities, reflecting God’s love in every aspect of life. Together, we can inspire others to seek Him, preparing for a glorious eternity.

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