February 4, 2026 -Kindness

Psalms 35:1-28

Matthew 25:1-46

Exodus 19:1-25

Exodus 20:1-26

Bible in a Year Through Song - Day 35 of 365

Matthew 25:1-13 NIV

[1] “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. [2] Five of them were foolish and five were wise. [3] The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. [4] The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. [5] The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. [6] “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ [7] “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. [8] The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’ [9] “ ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ [10] “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. [11] “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’ [12] “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’ [13] “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Today's reading reminded me of our discussion at The Table last night. It was one of those nights where the conversation went through some different topics. This one reminds me of the part that we talked about the end times which started from the question, "Do you believe in the rapture?". Which of course led to all the different ideas of what the end times will look like. I think this parable supports what my opinion is on the topic which I have written on before. We are not to try to figure out what is going to happen on Jesus' return, but we are to be prepared. There is no way for any human to know or understand what it all means. In fact, it's clear that we will have no way of knowing when He will come. So, we are to live every moment of every day as though it will be today. We are the light of Jesus in our life shinning for all to see. Be humble, loving and kind and keep that lamp burning.

Matthew 25:35-40 NIV

[35] For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, [36] I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ [37] “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? [38] When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? [39] When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ [40] “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

This section reminded me of our conversation about kindness which is the topic we started on. Godly kindness. Which is one of the ways we can shine the light of Jesus in this world. As a believer who is given the fruit of the spirit which includes kindness, Godly kindness, we are to live as He taught us. To be kind means putting the needs of others above our own which is also humility. Care for those in need. Care for the sick and those in prison. Care for all people even people who don't know or agree with. When we do these things, we should not do it as a chore to be done to check off the list. It should be from a heart of love and concern for others. That is what Godly humble kindness is about.

Exodus 20:7 NIV

[7] “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

One of the verses that we were looking at was Ephesians 4:32.

32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Which we discussed but we went back a few verses to get some more context.

29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

This led to a discussion about cursing and using offensive language. There are some differing opinions out there. I had made the comment that I am not upset by someone's use of swearing. And I don't feel a need to say anything to someone if they are an unbeliever because we can't expect them to be convicted by the word of God. But one thing I think we all agreed on was that when someone uses the Lord's name in an inappropriate way it pains us to hear it. It does offend us. I love that thanks to this discussion that we came to the conclusion that we are not showing loving kindness to anyone who is misusing God's name. It has become such a common thing to do that most people don't even realize they are doing it. Some of us shared how when we kindly shared with someone how it upsets us that they are doing it, they didn't even realize they were and they did stop doing it. Now today we see that "the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name." That is the greatest reason to loving share your concern for their words. It might make you nervous to think about saying something to someone but if we are being humbly kind that means putting their best interest in front of our own. Our fear of how they will respond should not be our concern, but how they speak of God and the guilt that they bring on themselves should be. When done properly most people will receive it as intended. And if they do not receive it well you were doing what you could to help them. We can give food to the hungry and clothes to the poor but it's up to them if they eat and wear those clothes.