The Life of Dorcas

Acts 9:36

“Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity, which she continually did.”

Luke now introduces us to a female disciple of Christ. She was evidently a rather wealthy woman and loved to serve others, especially the poor and needy. We notice in v. 39 that she made tunics and garments, obviously to give to the needy. We find throughout scripture that God is very concerned about the poor and widows and commands us to care for them.

In Isaiah 58:7 we are encouraged to “divide your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into the house; when you see the naked, to cover him”. James 1:27 says “This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” Later in 2:15-16 we read “If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?”

What we glean from Dorcas’ life is that she had a burden for the poor and she acted on that. It is our natural inclination to look down on the poor, but that is not God’s desire. As God exposes us to those who have needs we should be willing to use the resources He has given us to meet those needs. It is not enough to say “be warmed and be filled”, but we should help them accomplish that.

Living in our community we may not get exposed to the needy very much, but they are really all around us. We have had the privilege of ministering at the Union Gospel Mission in Dallas for many years and found that to be a tremendous, growing experience. Many in the third world countries like Africa, India, and Asia are in significant need. It is our privilege and responsibility to help those in need. Recently many from New Orleans came into our community because of a hurricane that destroyed their home.
Often the best way to reach someone’s spiritual needs is to fulfill their material needs first. I hope you will develop a sensitive heart to those in need.