Acts 9:36 - A Good Deed Brightens a Dark World

“At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.”

Acts 9:36

I like the fact that Tabitha was referred to as a disciple. She did a lot of small acts of kindness and good, charitable deeds. These were visible to all who were around her. She wasn’t well known because of her preaching, teaching or evangelizing, but her good deeds spoke volumes and touched hearts and lives. The little things we do are so much grander than the things we do that are considered great. My husband opening the door for me, giving me a cup of freshly brewed coffee or giving me a kiss when he leaves home shows me so much more love than him sending me flowers on our anniversary. His kindness throughout the year shows me his heart. And his heart shows me his love. Sometimes the thought of doing big things overwhelms us and weighs us down. But the little things we do bring much joy to our hearts. You can never go wrong walking in love and doing good, charitable deeds for those He impresses on our hearts to do so to. Colossians 3:17 says “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” 1 Peter 4:10 says “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” I encourage you to continually plant seeds of kindness. It will speak volumes! 

An old song that I love to sing is “Bringing in the Sheaves.” It goes like this:

1. Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness, sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve, waiting for the harvest and the time of reaping: we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves. (Chorus) Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves, we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves. Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves, we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

 

2. Sowing in the sunshine, sowing in the shadows, fearing neither clouds nor winter’s chilling breeze; by and by the harvest and the labor ended: we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves. (Chorus) Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves, we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves. Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves, we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

3. Going forth with weeping, sowing for the Master, though the loss sustained our spirit often grieves; when our weeping’s over He will bid us welcome: we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves. (Chorus) Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves, we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves. Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves, we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Father, may we sow seeds of kindness all day long. May we be full of good works and charitable deeds. Help us to impact and touch lives by doing little things that show them Your love. May we reap a harvest that brings glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.