UR the Church: Gifts and Service

Serving others with the gifts and talents God has given us makes a difference. It’s part and parcel of what it means to be a church family. In Acts 9:36-42, we learn from an unsung hero named Tabitha that serving others isn’t intended to be transactional. The size of our platform and audience doesn’t determine the quality of our gifts and service because genuine Christ-like service is motivated by love. Though we may never know the full impact of our service on this side of eternity, we are called to be faithful to the gifts and talents God has given us. We love and serve others because He loved and served us first.

“Now in Joppa, there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did. And it happened at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him, “Do not delay in coming to us.” So Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them. But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. It became known all over Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.”—Read Acts 9:36-42