In what ways can we serve others, inspired by Tabitha's example in Acts 9? Setting the Scene in Joppa “In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated Dorcas), who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity. In those days she became ill and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upper room.” Acts 9:36-37 Tabitha’s story starts with a reputation: constant, tangible kindness. Even her death could not erase the testimony her needle left in every widow’s wardrobe. The Heartbeat of Tabitha’s Ministry • Consistency—“always occupied with works of kindness” • Practical help—hand-sewn garments, the daily necessities of life • Focus on the overlooked—widows benefited first • Quiet faithfulness—no fanfare, yet heaven recorded every stitch Practical Lessons for Modern Servants • Notice ordinary needs and meet them before they grow urgent. • Turn everyday skills into ministry—cooking, carpentry, tutoring, tech support. • Make generosity a rhythm, not an event. • Serve marginalized voices: elderly, single parents, refugees, the disabled. • Let love drive service; recognition is optional. Serving with Our Hands and Skills • Prepare meals for new parents or the grieving. • Sew, knit, or crochet blankets for hospitals and shelters. • Repair cars or appliances for families in tight seasons. • Offer professional expertise—tax help, legal advice, medical checkups. • Teach language, literacy, or job skills to immigrants and job-seekers. Serving with Our Time and Presence • Visit shut-ins, nursing-home residents, and hospital patients. • Write letters or send texts of encouragement. • Sit with the dying, bring comfort to the grieving. • Provide child care so caregivers can rest or attend worship. • Listen—undistracted attention is a precious gift. Serving with Our Resources • Share groceries, gas cards, and school supplies. • Open the home for meals and overnight stays. • Offer transportation to church, appointments, or the grocery store. • Support missionaries and relief efforts financially and prayerfully. • Keep a small benevolence fund ready for sudden needs. Serving in Community • Form sewing or craft groups that create items for shelters. • Organize workdays to repair homes of elderly members. • Mobilize youth for neighborhood cleanups or food-bank drives. • Pair seasoned believers with younger ones for mentoring and discipleship. • Celebrate answered needs, reinforcing a culture of service. When Service Becomes a Testimony “All the widows stood around him weeping and showing him the tunics and garments that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.” Acts 9:39 “Many believed in the Lord.” Acts 9:42 One woman’s faithful handiwork prepared hearts for the gospel before a sermon was preached. As Jesus said, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 Strength Drawn from Other Scriptures • Galatians 5:13—“Serve one another in love.” • 1 Peter 4:10—“Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.” • James 1:27—Care for orphans and widows; keep oneself unstained. • Romans 12:10-13—Honor one another, share with the saints, practice hospitality. • Hebrews 6:10—God will not forget the love shown as we minister. • Matthew 25:40—Serving “the least of these” is serving Christ Himself. Moving from Inspiration to Action Identify God-given abilities, locate the needs nearest, start small, remain faithful. Like Tabitha, every deliberate act of kindness becomes a stitch in a larger fabric of gospel witness, sewn for the glory of Christ and the good of His people. |
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