Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. Acts 9:36 KJV
Kindness can be shown in many ways.
It is said to be the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.
It can make a big difference in someone’s life or even their day.
It can be shown by volunteering or giving time to a charity.
Buying a stranger a cup of coffee.
Showing our appreciation to others around us.
Helping a neighbor or friend in a time of need.
The way we look at someone.
Smiling at someone as we pass them.
Any act of kindness, even a simple prayer, can make the difference in someone’s life.
Our acts of kindness can even be something remembered long after we are gone.
We never know how a simple act of kindness can change someone’s life.
It is one of the greatest powers that God has given each of us to defeat the enemy and the things that try to bring us down.
The Lord encourages us to be one that shows kindness to others.
Tabitha is one of many of whom God blessed to be an example of kindness.
She was also called Dorcas, lived in Joppa, and known for her generous giving.
This was even though, some said she was a poor widow.
She sewed clothes for others and gave unselfishly to those in need.
She was a woman of kindness, “always doing good and helping the poor” (Acts 9:36 NIV).
She was a disciple. A follower of Christ.
A blessing to those who knew her.
Loved by those around her, especially by the widows that she helped.
Tabitha got sick and passed away.
But her legacy did not stop there.
It just so happened, that Peter was visiting in a nearby city and two believers went after him and begged him to come to Joppa.
Upon his arrival, he was brought into the upper chamber where some of the widows that Tabitha had helped, stood by him.
They began to show him the coats and garments that she had made for them (v.39).
Even in her passing, Tabitha was being remembered for her kindness.
Hearing and seeing all of that she had done, Peter, led by the Holy Spirit, prayed and God brought her back to life.
God’s act of kindness became “known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord” (vv.40-42).
Our journey may not be like the one Tabitha took, but this passage teaches us that we all can show our love to others by using our gifts for God’s glory.
Showing what kindness really means.
That our act of charity can be shown in the good we do to others.
God has given us each a gift to be used to bless others.
Each one of our gifts are unique.
We are only able to use them when we step out in faith.
Never forgetting to live upon the fulness of Christ for our salvation.
Always desiring to be full of good works.
Forever honoring His name.
Being kind and praying for others, that they may come to know Jesus and feel valued by Him.
Kindness is in the hearts of all, just waiting to be revealed.
How do you want to be remembered?
We should all desire to be a living expression of God’s kindness.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, kindness gives a sense of value to a person. While we yet live in the fulness of Your salvation, let us be full of good works. Let us show the love and kindness You desire each of us to show and feel. That it is ours for the asking. We give all honor and praise to Your name. Thank You for all that You do for us.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen