Loving Others Through Tangible Service

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Monday, August 4, 2025

Today's Text: Acts 9:36-43

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

We live in an age of many talkers and few doers. Ours is a world where our actions and our words don't correlate. Even those of us who are Christians are now known to consistently fail to back up our words with corresponding actions, eroding trust and credibility even in the church. This can be seen in personal relationships, our fellowships, homes, workplaces, and even political discourse. But we can be grateful that God's word offers us great examples of priceless few whose lives show us that our faith is not just a belief in God but His (God's) tangible force working in us for good in the world.

Dorcas, also known as Tabitha, is one of such biblical examples who lived such a life. She was a disciple in Joppa, known not for her wealth or power, but for her "good works and acts of charity." When she fell ill and died, the disciples sent for Peter, who came and prayed over her body. Her kindness and generosity towards others, particularly widows and those in need, paved the way for her miraculous restoration to life. Her selfless acts of charity and devotion to serving others earned her a reputation as a beloved and respected member of the community. When we show kindness that touch the lives of those around us, we both bless them as well as position ourselves to experience God's extraordinary intervention in our own lives. O brethren, using our gifts to serve others nit only demonstrate God's love in ways that words cannot dare; it positions us for greater flow of grace.

Are you an example of the believer, using your skills, time, gifts and resources to serve others in your community? Is kindness central to your identity? This was the case with Tabitha so much so that when she died, the community was so deeply saddened that they couldn't bear to lose her. Their widows wept, showing the tunics and garments she had gifted them. These moved Peter to pray God to, in His power, raise her from the dead. O may this be a reminder to us that our faith is meant to be active and practical, not passive and theoretical. And, just like Dorcas used her unique gift—sewing—to meet the tangible needs of those who were often overlooked, we too can use whatever is in our lives to serve others.

Action Steps: Identify a skill or gift you possess, no matter how small it may seem, and find a way to use it to serve someone in need. Quit being a mouthing Christian. Look for opportunities to show kindness and compassion in practical ways. Pray for God to reveal a tangible way you can serve someone this week, and ask for the humility and willingness to do so.

Quote for the Day: "Every little act of kindness, done in the name of Christ, can make a significant difference in the world." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for the example of Dorcas, who used her gifts to serve others and demonstrate Your love. Help me to be a person of action, not just words. Please show me how I can use my unique gifts to serve those around me and bring glory to Your name. Give me a heart of compassion and a spirit of humility to serve others as Christ serves ust — in Jesus's most glorious name, Amen.

_______________

Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: James 2:14-17, 1 Peter 4:10, and 1 John 3:18.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

Send | Share | Subscribe | Support