We have probably all had the experience of being served by someone who did not have a desire to do so. This is relevant for us because we know that, as Christians, we are to live out our faith. Churches plan outreach, benevolence, and disaster relief assistance programs. Typically, our members rally to help, but a great risk remains when we begin to see these activities as something we have to do rather than an opportunity to partner with God in service. We can serve as someone who appears reluctant or as someone who does not truly care about whom we are serving. People can sense the insincerity.

One example in the Bible of someone who served with love is Tabitha, also known as Dorcas. Her story comes right after the terror of Saul’s persecutions and his miraculous conversion. For the Christians, the world seemed right again, even if it was a bit unbelievable that their greatest threat was now preaching the Good News. Peter was traveling around the country when he came to the coastal town of Joppa. Here Tabitha had been faithfully serving the widows, even during the uncertain times of Saul’s persecutions. Just as we often gravitate towards stories of hope during times of trouble, Tabitha was a ray of hope during uncertain times. Acts 9:36 says, “She was always doing good and helping the poor” (NIV).

The service Tabitha provided for widows, however, is often not fully understood. We know that today it is tough for pensioners who are on a fixed income. For widows in our communities, it can be even more difficult—especially if they are younger and have children. However, the situation for the widows Tabitha was serving was even more dire. There were no social programs to assist them. There were no safety nets. Women who were widowed had few options available to them to make money. Perhaps they could provide a service or sell goods at the market, but that would not bring in much income. They could return to their family of origin, but that was not a viable option for everyone. They had little hope.

Tabitha’s death created a sense of urgency, and two men summoned Peter for help (Acts 9:38). When Peter arrived, the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that she had made for them (Acts 9:39). Tabitha’s service helped meet people’s basic needs. Perhaps part of the tears showed this loss of having one of their safety nets disappear. Maybe they were wondering what would happen to them. The situation on the ground must have felt desperate because of the urgency shown by the men who went to Peter and how Peter responded immediately by praying for her to come back to life (Acts 9:40).

Tabitha obviously served with love, and that love was sensed by those who were beneficiaries. She lived out her faith in a tangible way that blessed others. She gave hope through her ministry, and in turn was surrounded by people who undoubtedly had their faith strengthened by her example. She faithfully lived out her mission during uncertain times and helped others get through. Her faithful service created an opportunity for an even more incredible proof of God’s power—her being raised from the dead. This became known all over Joppa, and many came to the Lord because of it (Acts 9:40-42).

Many people are in professions where they cannot be fully open with their faith. However, people can tell a difference in the way we serve. Ephesians 6:7-9 instructs us to serve others as if we are serving the Lord. This should be a truth we carry with us daily. When we serve our communities and our churches, we need to do so out of a sense of love. We must practice listening and being present as we are serving. This allows us to truly understand what others are going through. It shows we care and are paying attention. Cultivating this attitude can be challenging in an environment that is always encouraging us to think of ourselves first. However, serving others is a blessing as it gives us an opportunity to partner with God. When we serve, let’s serve with love.