Few women in the First Century AD had the distinction of being referred to as a disciple, but Dorcas (also known as Tabitha) was called a disciple as her life is shared in Acts 9. Living in Joppa, she was an important member of her church family. Dorcas demonstrated her faith by doing for others. Having compassion for the widows and the poor of her town, she personally crafted garments, using her own resources. Meeting the needs of others was her primary way of sharing God’s love. Her compassion and affection for others were so evident. Dorcas was highly respected in her church and deeply loved, so the deep mourning at her death came as no surprise.

Dorcas’ body was lovingly washed and placed in an upstairs room, rather than a tomb. As word came that Peter was in Lydda, the next town over, two men were sent for him. Maybe they desired for Peter to take part in her funeral, or maybe the believers in Joppa hoped God would do a miracle through him and bring their beloved Dorcas back to life. Peter returned with the men and immediately went to the upstairs room.

Heaviness enveloped the room as Peter stepped in and quietly greeted family and a group of widows. One by one through their tears, the widows showed Peter their garments. One showed the delicate stitching, while another displayed the premium material. Still another described how Dorcas took time to find the right shade of blue to match her eyes. Though the garments were special, it was the love of God and the value Dorcas placed on each woman that was remembered. The loss felt by all in the room was deep. Peter knew it was now time for him to do the work God called for him to do.

^“Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. 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.” (Acts 9:40-41)

Dorcas lived her life making a difference. As she met the needs of others, she showed the love of Jesus. And through her brief death, she continued to make a difference. God’s work through Peter in bringing her back to life only took a few minutes, but lives were forever changed. Because God brought this godly woman back to life, word spread throughout the town of Joppa, “and many people believed in the Lord.” (Acts 9:42)

Of course, at some point in time, Dorcas did die again, yet her testimony still continued on. A group of people called the Dorcas society followed her example. According to Wikipedia, a Dorcas society is a group of people, traditionally Christian women, who are known for sewing, collecting, and distributing clothing and food to the poor. They take their name from Dorcas and continue her ministry of sharing God’s love through charitable deeds. Though Dorcas societies were at their height in the 1800s, there are still some around the world today with the same mission of providing clothing and other physical needs for the poor.

You may not be a talented seamstress or clued into the needs of people like Dorcas, but God has given you your own unique way of sharing His love with those around you. Live your life to make a difference for Him. Not only will people be changed because they see God’s love through you, but your testimony for Jesus will continue on. With the seeds you have planted, people will come to know Jesus, because you chose to live life making a difference.