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Dorcas — A Woman of Charity

Dorcas’ Story: Acts 9:36–42

In the Word

Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity (Acts 9:36).

Of the Word

As a follower of Jesus, Dorcas heard the message of Jesus Christ and lived it out in her daily life. She loved her risen Lord and imitated Him by letting His light and love shine through her by sewing garments for the poor. Sadly, Dorcas became sick and died.

Her devastated friends, with hope and in faith, sent for the apostle Peter who was in a nearby town. In Dorcas’ room Peter knelt and prayed. With the power of Jesus — not his own — Peter told Dorcas to arise. And she opened her eyes and sat up.

Dead in our sin, we too have been brought back to life through the saving sacrifice of Jesus, not by our good works. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection we strive to give God glory and reflect His love through the life we lead. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2: 8–10).

Walking with my Lord

Dear God, may I always and in every circumstance be Your willing servant. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Daughters of the King. Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer, authors. 29/34 ©2013 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.

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