I attended a funeral recently where a beautiful eulogy was given. After the service I thought to myself, “What will people say about me at my funeral?” Several days later, I was leading a Bible study. The lesson included Biblical heroes of the faith – Abraham, Noah, Joseph, Moses, David, Esther, Ruth, Peter, Paul, … Tabitha. Yes, we meet this young woman in Acts, which gives us a beautiful portrait of a little known woman who demonstrated how to put others first and scatter kindness.
Scripture says, “In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha; she was always doing good and helping the poor.” (Acts 9:36) What a wonderful statement … her inherent character was always thinking of others and always spreading kindness. Her actions so radiated Christ’s love, that Luke, the author of Acts, recorded them in Scripture for us to read 2000 years later.
We know little about Tabitha. Her reputation was built from something as simple as sewing clothing for the poor. She had a talent and she was using it for good. Tabitha is the only woman in the Bible called a disciple. Her story teaches me to never discount my God-given gifts and talents. By her yielding her heart to Jesus, her life was changed and our lives can be enriched because of her acts.
I’ll let you read the rest of the story in Acts 9. What we learn is that Tabitha began a movement that spread well beyond her community. She inspired many to use whatever gift they have received to serve others. Now that’s a great lesson for us all.
1 Timothy 6:18 “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
Tagged: Bible stories, grief and loss, kindness and compassion
