"Every act of life, however small, has its bearing for good or for evil. Faithfulness or neglect in what are apparently the smallest duties may open the door for life's richest blessings or its greatest calamities. It is little things that test the character. It is the unpretending acts of daily self-denial, performed with a cheerful, willing heart, that God smiles upon. We are not to live for self, but for others. And it is only by self-forgetfulness, by cherishing a loving, helpful spirit, that we can make our life a blessing. The little attentions, the small, simple courtesies, go far to make up the sum of life's happiness, and the neglect of these constitutes no small share of human wretchedness. PP 158.2"
"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
The EGW passage echoes the principle of Matthew 25:40, emphasizing the importance of small acts of kindness and service to others, and connecting them to service to God.
"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."
The EGW passage directly reflects the principle in Luke 16:10 about faithfulness in small things leading to faithfulness in larger matters. It's not just a thematic parallel; it's a restatement of the same core idea.
"Seeing the abuse to which strangers were exposed in Sodom, Lot made it one of his duties to guard them at their entrance, by offering them entertainment at his own house. He was sitting at the gate as the travelers approached, and upon observing them, he rose from his place to meet them, and bowing courteously, said, “Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night.” They seemed to decline his hospitality, saying, “Nay; but we will abide in the street.” Their object in this answer was twofold— to test the sincerity of Lot and also to appear ignorant of the character of the men of Sodom, as if they supposed it safe to remain in the street at night. Their answer made Lot the more determined not to leave them to the mercy of the rabble. He pressed his invitation until they yielded, and accompanied him to his house. PP 158.3"
"And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant’s house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night."
EGW directly quotes and elaborates on the Genesis passage, providing context and interpretation of Lot's actions and the angels' response.
"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
While the EGW passage describes Lot's hospitality, Hebrews 13:2 encourages hospitality because some have unknowingly entertained angels. The connection is thematic, as Lot unknowingly entertained angels, but the EGW passage focuses on Lot's actions in the context of Sodom's wickedness, not the potential for entertaining angels unawares.