31st August 2025

Showing Kindness

All the widows stood by Peter weeping,

showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made.

Acts 9:39

Today's Bible Reading: Acts 9:36-43.

The main event we usually focus on in Acts 9, is the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, who became known as Paul. However, Peter’s time in Joppa is also highlighted (v 36-43). When he raised Dorcas from the dead (v 40).

Dorcas (also known as Tabitha) was a believer who showed kindness by providing handmade clothing for the poor (v 39). When she died, her room was filled with friends who tearfully mourned this kind woman who loved helping others.

But Dorcas’ story does not end there. When Peter was brought to where her body lay, he knelt and prayed. In God’s power, he called her by name, saying, “Tabitha, arise” (v 40). Amazingly, Dorcas opened her eyes and rose to her feet. When her friends realised she was alive, word spread quickly through the town and “many people believed on the Lord” (v 42).

But, how did Dorcas spend the next day of her life? Probably exactly as she had before, seeing the needs of people and filling them.

Prayer: Father, open my eyes each day to see the hurting and needy people around me. Open my heart to do what I can to show them what God’s love looks like. In the Saviour's name, I pray. Amen.