Tabitha, Full of Good Works

One of the unsung heroes of faith in the New Testament is a disciple named Tabitha. Her story is simple and easily overshadowed by the other events in the book of Acts, but she still provides much for us to learn from and imitate. Acts 9:36-43 gives us her story.

1) Full of good works and acts of charity. Tabitha had no office or title, but that was not necessary for her to live a life full of good works. She was well known for her generosity and kindness, and when she died, there was a literal crowd of people who could show the physical proof of her life’s work. Tabitha did not look for honor and deference from her brethren. She didn’t need people to serve her nor was she concerned with what she stood to gain. She saw the needs of the widows and steadily worked to relieve them.  

2) A “small” work. Tabitha is easy to overlook because her work doesn’t seem noteworthy or important. As far as we know, she didn’t travel the world converting pagans or attain any legendary accomplishments. She didn’t endure beatings or write letters by the inspiration of the Spirit. She didn’t die a martyr’s death. In truth, there’s little objective reason for her to be included in Scripture.

Part of the answer is that she was the beneficiary of miraculous resurrection by Peter. That adds significance to the occasion and grabs our attention. But it would be a mistake to view this as a generic story of resurrection (if there is such a thing). Tabitha is given honor in this account, not just by the widows she served, but by the Holy Spirit! Her work was valuable and necessary and worthy of recognition.

We want to quantify and rank good works the same way that we treat accomplishments in business, sports, and other things of this world. Subjectivity is still a factor, but the greatest NBA players of all time can probably be determined by examining stats and accolades. The most successful entrepreneurs and business leaders can be identified by sales numbers, market share, and other similar metrics. But who are the greatest disciples of Jesus? Should we understand that Tabitha helped the most widows of any Christian, or that she made the finest tunics and garments?

There are no metrics, no service awards, and no hall of fame for the Christian. God is much more concerned with our wholehearted dedication and growth in truth and service. Remember the parable of the talents, where the five-talent and two-talent servants were praised and rewarded in the exact same way for their faithful use of what was entrusted to them—even when the five-talent man was quantitatively much more valuable! The only servant that displeased his master was the one who did nothing with what he was given (Matthew 25:14-30).

Tabitha’s work was not small and should not be minimized. The light of Jesus shined in her life and she was a blessing to needy widows. She is rightly honored for her faithfulness.

3) Quietly meeting real needs. Are we willing to serve in seemingly small and unimportant ways? There are some Christians who are attracted to praise and honor. They won’t serve unless it’s public and unless it’s flashy enough to be noticed and praised. Something simple and ordinary like Tabitha’s tunics doesn’t hold the same appeal. God sees and rewards all of His servants who are full of good works, regardless of how flashy they are. Real needs are met every day by humble Christians who work behind the scenes. Some examples of regular, humble service that you can do:

• Visiting widows, keeping them company, and helping with small tasks they may not be able to do
• Visiting and praying with people in the hospital
• Sitting with someone grieving who doesn’t want to be alone today
• Thanking those whose good work you see so they know they are appreciated
• Babysitting for young parents to give them some time together without the baby
• Sending a card or letter to encourage someone having a rough time
• Making a meal for the sick
• Taking a shift to give a caregiver of a disabled family member a break
• Giving a ride to someone who can’t drive or doesn’t have a car right now
• Opening up your home to host someone who needs a place to stay
• Sharing fresh produce or flowers from your garden
• Helping with home and/or car maintenance for someone who can’t do it themselves
• Letting your home be a place young people can hang out and have fun without getting into trouble 

There are many more possibilities, and all of these count as righteous service! If we can have an attitude like Tabitha, we will find that there is much we can do. 

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me’” (Matthew 25:34-40).