Unforgettable Generosity

In the city of Joppa, there was a woman named Dorcas (Tabitha in Hebrew) ("Gazelle"), a believer who was always doing kind things for others, especially for the poor. About this time she became ill and died. Her friends prepared her for burial and laid her in an upstairs room. But when they learned that Peter was nearby at Lydda, they sent two men to beg him to return with them to Joppa. This he did; as soon as he arrived, they took him upstairs where Dorcas lay. The room was filled with weeping widows who were showing one another the coasts and other garments Dorcas had made for them. But Peter asked them all to leave the room; then he knelt and prayed. Turning to the body he said, "Get up, Dorcas," and she opened her eyes! And when she saw Peter, she sat up! He gave her his hand and helped her up and called in the believers and widows, presenting her to them. Acts 9:36-41 (TLB)

But remember this - if you give little, you will get little. A farmer who plants just a few seeds will get only a small crop, but if he plants much, he will reap much. 2 Corinthians 9:6 (TLB)

Navamani Peter lives in Karnataka, India. Her mother had a heart of empathy, generosity, and compassion. After she got married, she became a caregiver for her husband and his family. When she cooked, she always prepared extra food in case relatives stopped by. She cared for other families in their neighborhood. And she often visited people who were sick or lonely and took them food. After her father's death, she lived with and cared for Navamani's family. Her children have fond memories of her kind, gentle heart and the delicious curries she would prepare. Navamani feels blessed that she was her mother.

When she thinks of her mother's legacy, Navamani is reminded of Tabitha (Dorcas) from Acts 9. she was known for her good works and for helping others. Following Tabitha's death, Peter found many widows grieving. When Peter prayed and told her to get up, Tabitha opened her eyes and got up. Word of this miracle spread and caused many to believe.

Generosity is a gift from God. Our world is fraught with injustice and an imbalance of resources. But as instruments of God's grace, we can bring comfort to others by practicing generosity wherever we go.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to love you and follow your example of humility and generosity. Give us wisdom and courage to respond to the needs of others, in Christ's Holy name. Amen.