1 Chronicles 11:18, 19 And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the Lord, And said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing: shall I drink the blood of these men that have put their lives in jeopardy? For with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it. Therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mightiest.
David was with his mighty men at the cave of Adullam while the Philistine army guarded Bethlehem. David yearned for a drink from the well of Bethlehem. The three mighty men took his wish as their command, and they broke through the enemy lines, putting their lives in jeopardy, to draw water from the heavily guarded well. David was so moved by their bravery and loyalty that he poured out the water as a drink offering to the Lord. He was not worthy of such selfless service, but God only is worthy. He recognized that their loyalty to him was inspired by their devotion to God.
Luther says, “God does need our service, but others do. So how do we serve God? By serving others.” This little story brilliantly exhibits the Christian life: out of faith and thankfulness for God’s grace and salvation we respond with self-sacrificing service to others, as if God is in the other person. “Inasmuch as ye have done it to one of the least of these my brethren ye have done it unto me.” As an encouragement to live a life of service (practical love) Jesus says, “He who gives a cup of cold water to one of these little ones shall not lose his reward.”
Christians respond by putting aside their own interest to serve others, even doing an act of kindness that involves giving up some comfort and convenience for self. We may not be putting our lives in danger, but we do give up time and effort for the good of others. Romans 12:10, “Outdo one another in showing honor.”