ODJ: giving to others
August 5, 2010
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 (v.36).
READ: Acts 9:36-43
Rebekah Rushing, who was a high-level executive assistant at Enron Corporation before it collapsed due to accounting fraud in 2001, demonstrated that ethics is much more than not doing wrong. She went beyond looking out for herself. Rushing, along with two former colleagues, set up a fund at a local bank to help other displaced workers. With $90 of her own money and the help of some publicity, the fund grew into hundreds of thousands of dollars. It was then disbursed to needy former Enron employees. Rushing was quoted as saying: “Things worked out for me and I want them to work out for everyone else.” It’s easy to see that Rushing is a woman who lives to help others—not just herself.
Luke described a woman in the New Testament who selflessly gave to others as well. Tabitha, a devoted believer in Jesus (Acts 9:36), produced fruits of justifying faith in Jesus Christ. Her good works flowed from her faith in Jesus, and her faith motivated her to perform good works in abundance—particularly by tangibly helping the widows of Joppa (vv.36,39). While serving the poor in her community, however, she became ill and died. Later, she was miraculously brought back to life by God’s power (vv.40-41).
Tabitha is a great example of how we should live to serve others. It all begins with a vibrant relationship with Jesus. We can’t begin to live beyond our own concerns if we aren’t in fellowship with the One who lived and died for us.
As we stay connected to the True Vine (John 15:1-5) and follow Him, He will live His life through us, and that life includes selfless service, generosity, and personal sacrifice. It also includes seeing—not ignoring—the needs of others. And by the grace that flows from Jesus to us, we tangibly give of ourselves to meet those needs. —Marvin Williams
Have you committed your life to Jesus? If not, would you consider doing so today? If you have, how would you rate your relationship with Jesus? How can you be rich in good works to others?
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