v 36 There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor..
In the middle of all the exciting things that seemed to be going on at this stage of the church, here is a homely little tale of a seamstress; a very ordinary lady who is honoured in the bible because ‘She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor.’ What a lovely reputation to have! She was the life and soul of the sewing group, and her passing was a domestic tragedy. It gives us an insight into the world of pastoral care – something we have rather neglected in our focus on Mission. Here was a group of believers concerned for one another’s welfare, and the needs of society around. I can well imagine the compassion that flowed out from this lady and from the group of friends that surrounded her. They were not missing the point of ‘Mission’ as they made ‘robes and other clothes’; they were doing it differently, using the gifts God had given them. Others would have felt their love, and perhaps caught a glimpse of the Saviour who had motivated them.
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