Dorcas is a wonderful example of kindness and service in the Bible. Today, we’ll learn about her story and how her life inspires us to help others.
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What Does The Bible Say About Dorcas
Acts 9:36
“In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor.”
This verse introduces us to a disciple named Dorcas, also known as Tabitha, who was known for her acts of kindness and generosity. She had a heart for the poor and consistently sought to do good in her community.
Acts 9:39
“Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.”
In this verse, we see the impact of Dorcas’ generosity as the widows mourned her passing and showed Peter the tangible evidence of her good works. Dorcas was not only known for her helping hands but for her skill in making clothing for those in need.
Acts 9:41
“He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive.”
After being brought back to life by Peter, Dorcas became a living testimony of God’s miraculous power. This verse emphasizes the importance of community and how Dorcas’ resurrection brought great joy and encouragement to the believers, especially the widows who had been beneficiaries of her kindness.
1 Timothy 5:9-10
“No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.”
In these verses, the Apostle Paul outlines the criteria for widows to be included on a specific list within the church. Among the qualities mentioned are good deeds, hospitality, and devotion to all kinds of acts of kindness. Dorcas exemplified these traits in her own life.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Jesus teaches that our good deeds should not be done to bring attention to ourselves, but to bring glory to God. Dorcas’ actions were a shining example of this principle as she used her skills and resources to help others, drawing attention not to herself, but to the Father in heaven.
Galatians 6:10
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
This verse encourages believers to seize every opportunity to do good and show kindness to everyone, but with a special emphasis on fellow believers. Dorcas embraced this principle by extending her assistance to the widows in her community, displaying love and care for those who were part of the family of believers.
James 2:15-16
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”
James challenges believers to back up their words of compassion with tangible actions. Dorcas understood this concept and went beyond mere words. She actively met the physical needs of those around her, leaving a lasting impact on her community.
Proverbs 31:20
“She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.”
This verse from Proverbs describes a virtuous woman who exhibits kindness and compassion towards the less fortunate. Dorcas personified these characteristics, consistently reaching out to those in need with her open arms and helping hands.
Hebrews 6:10
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
These words remind us that God sees and acknowledges the love and service we extend to others, especially to his people. Dorcas’ acts of kindness towards the widows were not in vain, but rather an expression of her love for God and the impact of her service would not be forgotten.
Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
As followers of Christ, we are called to be generous and share with those in need. Dorcas exemplified this call by practicing hospitality and extending her resources and skills to provide for others. Her life serves as an enduring example of the kind of hospitality believers should practice.
Proverbs 3:27
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to act.”
This proverb reminds us not to withhold acts of kindness when we have the ability to help. Dorcas lived out this principle, using her skills and resources to bless those around her. Her selflessness teaches us the importance of seizing opportunities to do good whenever we can.
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Jesus encourages his followers to give generously, promising that in doing so, they will receive generously as well. Dorcas embodied this teaching through her acts of giving and selflessness towards others. Her life serves as a reminder that when we give with a generous heart, God’s blessings overflow into our lives.
Philippians 2:4
“Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.”
This verse encourages believers to have a selfless mindset, considering the needs and interests of others alongside their own. Dorcas exemplified this attitude, always looking out for the interests of the widows and those in need around her. Her example challenges us to prioritize the well-being of others in our daily lives.
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
As believers, we are called to utilize the gifts and talents bestowed upon us to serve others. Dorcas faithfully used her skill in making clothing to serve the widows in her community. Her dedication teaches us the importance of recognizing and utilizing our own talents for the benefit of those around us.
Matthew 25:40
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Jesus teaches that when we extend acts of kindness and service to those in need, we are doing it for Him. Dorcas understood this principle as she cared for the widows, recognizing that her actions were ultimately an expression of love and service towards her Savior.
Romans 12:20
“On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
In this verse, believers are instructed to respond with kindness to their enemies, even when faced with hostility. While Dorcas’ specific acts of kindness are not described in relation to enemies, her life displayed a consistent pattern of compassion and love towards others, regardless of their circumstances.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
This proverb emphasizes the reward that awaits those who show kindness to the poor. Dorcas’ life of selflessness and generosity towards the widows reflects this truth, reminding us that God recognizes and rewards acts done in love for the less fortunate.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
As followers of Christ, we are called to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving towards one another. Dorcas exemplified these qualities in her interactions with the widows and those in need. Her life reminds us to extend grace and love to others as we have received it from God.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This Proverb highlights the blessing that comes from being generous to the poor. Dorcas’ life serves as a testimony of the joy and fulfillment that comes from selflessly giving to those in need, emphasizing the importance of treating our neighbors with love and generosity.
Luke 10:27
“He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.”
When asked about the greatest commandments, Jesus replied with these words. Dorcas exemplified this teaching by loving her neighbor as herself through her acts of kindness and service to the widows in her community. Her life encourages us to live out these two great commandments in our own lives.
Matthew 25:35-36
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
In this passage, Jesus teaches that acts of kindness towards those in need are also acts of service to Him. Dorcas’ life embodied these principles as she fed the hungry, clothed the needy, and provided care for the widows. Her example challenges us to serve Christ by serving others in practical ways.
1 John 3:17-18
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
These verses remind us that love is not demonstrated through words alone but through actions. Dorcas understood this truth as she actively met the needs of those around her. Her life serves as a reminder that true love is expressed through tangible acts of compassion and service.
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”
As believers, we are called to use our freedom not for selfish desires but to serve one another in love. Dorcas embodied this call, using her freedom, skills, and resources to serve the widows with humility and love. Her life is a testament to the power of selfless service.