Dorcas, or Tabitha, was a woman who showed her love for God by serving others. She made her community a better place by doing kind things for others and making clothing for those in need. We are told in James 1:27 that the religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is to look after the orphans and widows in their distress, and this was exactly the religion that Dorcas practiced. She was deeply loved by those around her.

In the midst of this great ministry Dorcas had of serving those in need, she became ill and died. However, the believers had heard that Peter was in a nearby city, so they sent messengers to beg him to come as soon as possible! Perhaps they were hopeful for a miracle or simply longed to receive words of comfort. When Peter arrived at the house, he was taken to the upstairs room where they had laid Dorcas in preparation to be buried. The room was filled with widows mourning the loss of this amazing woman, and they showed Peter the coats and other clothing items that Dorcas had made for them. Her impact on the life of those around her was evident, which is perhaps why Peter prayed and raised her from the dead! People had already been greatly touched by her love and generosity, but even more came to know Christ through her being resurrected from the dead.

As Christians, we are all called to serve others. This should not be an occasional event, but rather something that is displayed in everything we do. Whether it be helping a work colleague complete a task, making dinner for our families, helping a neighbor with school pickups, or serving as a volunteer at church, we have countless opportunities to show the love of God through service. May we, like Dorcas, love others so evidently that others come closer to God because of it.

Suggested prayer: Heavenly Father, use me as a channel of your love as I serve others. May my greatest desire be to glorify you in all that I do and to see others come to a personal relationship with you. In the name of Jesus I pray, amen.

1.    Acts 9:36 (NLT). 

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.