Kindness: The Example of Dorcas
“In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room.”The disciples in Joppa sent for the apostle Peter who was in a nearby town.
“Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, ‘Tabitha, get up.’ She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up.”
Acts 9:36–37, 39-40 (NIV)Here is a story of a great miracle. Dorcas had died and, when Peter prayed for her, she was restored to life. Word traveled all over the town of Joppa that Dorcas had been raised from the dead. Because of this, many people came to believe in the Lord.
We’re told that Dorcas was a disciple. When she died, she was remembered for “doing good and helping the poor.” As soon as Peter got to her house, what did the mourning widows do? They showed him the clothes that Dorcas made for others. The Bible tells us she was “always doing good”.
When you think of the disciples you probably think of Peter, James, John, and some of the others who followed Jesus. They are well known for the preaching, writing and other work they did. But here is a disciple who is remembered because of the sewing she did.
Have you ever thought that sewing could be a way to serve the Lord? That’s what Dorcas knew how to do, and she used her skills to help others. She probably could have made a great deal of money sewing clothes for wealthy people who could have paid her well. But she chose to help the poor.
There were no sewing machines in those days; everything was sewn by hand. In fact, people wove yarn and threads into cloth, and even had to spin the yarn from wool and flax. Sewing was much more time consuming in Bible days than it is now.
Many people owned only a couple of garments. The poor could not afford to buy material and they had to wear the same clothes for years. Sometimes they were dressed in little more than rags. Dorcas had compassion on these people and used her sewing skills to make clothing for them.
Sewing all those clothes for others was a real act of love and kindness. When she died, this is what the people remembered about her and they not only told Peter, but they even showed him some of the clothes she had made. The Bible records her kindness for all time.
What a good example for us! What are some of the talents God has given you? A talent is a gift that the Lord gives us so that we can use it to bless others.
How can you show kindness? Maybe you think you are too young and don’t know how to do very many things yet. There are many ways to be kind. You can smile and say kind words to a family member or encourage a classmate who may be having a difficult time. You can find many ways to help at home. Your parents will appreciate the help and you can lighten their load.
If you do have a special talent, thank the Lord for it and ask Him to show you ways to use it to benefit others. Whether it’s singing or sewing, cooking or caring for children in the nursery, a friendly greeting or a listening ear, follow the example of Dorcas and excel in kindness.
Copyright, 2001, 2009 Laurie Latour.
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