In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. Acts 9:36 (NIV)

Caught off guard, I turned away so she couldn’t see my face. My friend didn’t mean to be malicious, but her careless words left me seething.

What did she mean by that? And why does it bother me so much?

Her comment—wrapped as a joke—gave me the impression she didn’t see or appreciate the ways I had helped a mutual friend. Bristling, I wanted to defend myself. But instead I examined my heart.

What I saw wasn’t pretty. While I’m naturally quiet and rarely promote myself, I secretly crave validation and recognition from others. In my spirit I know only God’s opinion of me matters. But in my flesh I struggle with wanting to be respected and well known. 

Recently as I reread the Book of Acts, I gained new appreciation for a woman who selflessly served others. Luke (the author of Acts) opens her story with these words:

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. (Acts 9:36 NIV)

Tabitha has an amazing legacy—people remembered her for her selfless acts of service. As Luke continues the story, we learn she had died and her body had been prepared for burial. But when the disciples heard that Peter was nearby (in Lydda), they sent for him (Acts 9:37-38). The urgency of their request indicated that they hoped for a miracle. 

When Peter arrived, he saw widows mourning the loss of Tabitha. They showed him the robes and other clothing she had made for them (Acts 9:39). In a society where women depended on husbands for financial support and security, people could easily overlook the needs of widows. So God made provisions for them under the Old Testament law (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). The early church continued to care for the needs of widows (Acts 6:1-4).

Tabitha’s decision to serve the widows and the poor honored God’s heart for the marginalized and overlooked people in her community. It’s likely that only God and those who received her gifts noticed Tabitha’s efforts. Somehow I think Tabitha was okay with that. She didn’t seek to be well known, she simply wanted to know and serve her people well. She knew what they needed, and used her resources to meet those needs. I’m sure many disciples did great things and caught the attention of others. But God chose to honor Tabitha. Not only did He tell her story, but He mentioned her by name.

Tabitha’s story doesn’t end there. Peter miraculously brought her back to life (Acts 9:40-41). After her resurrection, I believe she continued to serve the widows. But her influence became more widespread. Many people became believers of Jesus because of the miracle (Acts 9:42). And her story continues to inspire us today—some two thousand years later. 

I want my life to reflect Tabitha’s desire to know and serve people well. She didn’t seek global recognition—she simply wanted to honor God. Other people may not notice my efforts to serve others. But God always does. And I’m learning to be okay with that. It’s better to know others well than to be well known.

Dear Lord Jesus, Thank You for giving us the example of Tabitha’s selfless acts of service. Her life reflected the simple beauty of serving those people You place in our lives. I pray we create a legacy like Tabitha’s by doing good and serving others. We ask this in Your name. Amen.