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Written by Michelle J. Goff, Founder and Executive Director of Iron Rose Sister Ministries
A smile, a seat on the bus, a cup of cold water… There are many ways we can be kind and generous toward others, which is the primary encouragement found in the third parable of Matthew chapter 25.
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.” (Mt 25:40 NIV)
The King welcomed those into His Kingdom who had put His words into practice, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” those who practiced love for Him by extending that lovingkindness to others.
The recipients of the King’s blessing were surprised at His words because they did not remember serving Him. He recognized the simple act of the mother who shared food with the hungry child who came over to play with her own children. He honored the consistent way in which the businesswoman brought an extra bottle of water for the homeless man who sat in front of her office building. He celebrated the women who donated new clothes to the battered women’s shelter, not just the forgotten items in the back of the closet.
The parable about the sheep and goats at the end of Matthew 25 follows two others that also emphasize the importance of good stewardship— the proper management of what God has provided. The five virgins who took sufficient oil were intentional about planning ahead. The first two men, with five and two talents respectively, administered well what they had been given, thus multiplying it for when the master returned. Finally, the sheep were blessed by the Father and given their inheritance (Mt 25:34) because they honored the Father and took care of “the least of these.”
For us to be wise women, we must be good stewards of what God has provided.
- Recognize that all that we have comes from God. The virgin’s oil, the men’s talents, and whatever the people used to bless others, everything comes from the Great Provider.
- Be intentional about how we use what God has provided. The wise virgins didn’t share their oil with the foolish virgins, but the sheep were affirmed for sharing their food, drink, and clothing with others. Both practices have their place in the Kingdom.
- Keep a Kingdom focus. Prepare for the Bridegroom, work for the Master, and honor the Father by fulfilling His commands to love.
- Check our motivation. Are we falling into the trap of comparison? Are we doing things so that others will see us? Will someone recognize Christ through what we do or say?
- Avoid selfishness. If we are going to love and care for others, there will be sacrifices. But remember, we serve a God of abundance who graciously provides beyond what we could ask or imagine.
Take a moment to reflect on these five points. During a week in which many are focused on the birth of Christ, how did Jesus embody and inspire us to do whatever we can for the least of these”?
Finally, using the Common Threads, let’s make it very personal and practical.
From Matthew 25, name an area in which you want to grow or bloom.
What is a thorn that needs to be removed, possibly something that is hindering you from loving “the least of these”?
Is there an area in which you want to dig deeper or need someone to hold you accountable (iron sharpening iron, Pr 27:17)?
One way to dig deeper is to read the entire 25th chapter of Matthew and pray over these three parables, asking God to reveal the application for your life.
Amidst the holiday season, let’s extend God’s lovingkindness to others and give thanks when others do the same for us. We would love to hear your stories or see pictures of how God has provided opportunities for this to happen!
Written by Silene Coelho, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Manaus, Brazil
The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. (Pr 14:1 NIV)
When I read this verse, I'm reminded that wisdom isn't simply about knowing the Bible or having many years of experience. Being wise means living out God's teachings in a practical way, making choices that build up, not tear down. And this doesn't depend on whether I'm single, married, widowed, or divorced. Wisdom is a calling for all of us.
We need to understand that true wisdom does not depend on marital status. Being wise means living in a way that my actions edify, that my choices reflect Christ, and that my life is useful in the Kingdom. And this is possible for any woman—single, widowed, or divorced. Single Christians should understand that they can experience a wonderful life with freedom, excitement, and happiness while fulfilling God's purpose in their lives.
Being single has taught me a profound lesson: holiness is more than "not sinning" in the sexual area. It's about living set apart for God in all areas—thoughts, relationships, choices. Paul spoke about this in 1 Corinthians 7:8-9, reminding us that marriage is a blessing, but that single life can also be lived for God's glory. I've seen single women get involved in purposeless relationships just to avoid being alone, and I've seen how this can lead to heartache. The wise woman understands that waiting on God is safer than rushing things. This doesn't mean being passive, but choosing paths that preserve peace and purity.
One of the blessings of singleness is the freedom to serve. Paul mentions that a single woman can dedicate herself more to the things of the Lord (1Co 7:32-35). I see this in the lives of many women: they have time to be involved in ministries, visit people, participate in missionary events, and study the Word more intensely. It is also noticeable in the lives of widows who, after their loss, found new strength in Christian service, and in divorced women who rebuilt their faith and self-esteem by serving others. These stories show that serving not only blesses those who receive but also heals and strengthens those who serve.
Even though I am not in a relationship, I know that my daily choices define the kind of woman I will be tomorrow. Choosing friends who draw me closer to God, managing my finances well, investing in my personal and spiritual growth—all of this is building my inner "house." If marriage comes someday, it's important to be emotionally healthy and spiritually strong. Wise women—whether married, widowed, or divorced—show that the right choices today build a solid and blessed future. As C.S. Lewis said, “A woman's heart must be so hidden in God that a man must seek Him to find her.”
Even as an adult and independent woman, I've learned that obeying and respecting authority is part of wisdom. This includes honoring parents (Ex 20:12), even if living alone, and listening to spiritual leaders (Heb 13:17). Obedience doesn't diminish, but protects and strengthens. Widows and divorcees who maintain this posture of humility and respect show that this is a key to preserving relationships and opening doors to new opportunities.
Being single has taught me that self-love is not selfishness, but a commandment that requires patience and constant reflection on my attitudes (Lk 10:27). I have come to value my well-being, to say "no" when necessary, to protect my rest, and to nourish my mind with things that edify. I have also learned that solitude can be a gift—a time to deepen my relationship with God, without distractions. Widows who, after years of caring for others, have learned to care for themselves, and divorced women who have rediscovered their identity after separation, show that loving oneself is being prepared to love others better.
Being wise is a calling for all women, regardless of marital status. "Alone, yes, but not lonely!"—because emptiness does not come from the absence of a husband, but from the lack of Jesus, the only source of fullness. A woman's worth is in Christ, and until the day of the Lamb's wedding (Rev 19:7), her purpose is to live like the woman of Proverbs 14:1, building up and not tearing down.
Let those of us who are single continue to encourage one another to seek wisdom in our singleness.
