James 1:27 (NIV) Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Dorcas for the Bible was practicing this long before James wrote these words.
In the days of Paul, Tabitha or Dorcas was a woman of charity. She was always doing good to others. If someone needed help at the soup kitchen, Dorcas volunteered. If a widow needed a new cloak, Dorcas got out her loom. If a beggar lacked food, Dorcas would get him some. She was a woman of kindness and love.
Although the account of this woman is short we can learn from this woman.
She was always helping others. There was never a time when she wasn’t busy. My mom says all the time; “If you’re busy it will keep you out of trouble.” This is very true. When we are so busy doing good and helping others, we won’t have time to do silly things like listen to gossip, dwell on sin, or have time for temptation.
This isn’t to say that just keeping a busy schedule will eliminate sin from your life. But it will help to keep you focused on Godly things.
She was well loved. When she died the widows sent to Joppa to get Peter. The church urged Peter to come and help them. Once Peter arrived he was surround by widows who showed of Dorcas’ work. When we reflect God’s love into this work, we will be loved. One of the telltale marks of a believers is that they are loved by others members of Christ’s body. As we work to love and give to others, we will gain friends that will help and encourage us. Dorcas had many of these.
Docas was even rescued from death. God saw that she still had work to do. He used Peter to bring her back to life. What we can learn? Use the time that you have well. God gives all of us second chances to do that what He calls us to do. Continue to work and do what He calls you to do. And you will be blessed.
