Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Deeds that Bring Life and Hope

Bible Reading:   Acts 9:36-42
Key verse: “He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then calling the saints and widows, he showed her to be alive. 41This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.” (Acts 9:40-41)



DEVOTION

Each day, many of us find ourselves doing good—whether through our work, helping a friend, or simply holding the door open for a stranger. Yet as the days pass, it can feel as though these efforts slip by unnoticed. A patient may still find fault with everything we do, a friend may quietly begin to exclude us, or a stranger may repay kindness with a scowl. Slowly, doubts creep in: Does doing good even matter? Is it worth the wear and tear of always going the extra mile? Meanwhile, we see others who seem to be thriving, even though their lives are centered on themselves.
Scripture gives us a clear reminder in Philippians 2:3–4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” These words speak to what we believe, but living them out is rarely easy—especially when gratitude is absent and appreciation feels scarce.
In Acts 9:36–42, we meet a woman named Tabitha, or Dorcas, whose life was defined by service. She cared for widows, made them clothing, and poured her time into those in need. When she suddenly became ill and died, her community was devastated. Yet her good works had not been in vain. The disciples sent urgently for Peter, who prayed and commanded her to rise. To their astonishment, she opened her eyes, sat up, and lived again.
Tabitha’s story reminds us of something vital: our good deeds are never wasted. They ripple outward in ways we may not see. The widows and disciples cherished her so deeply that they refused to bury her body right away. Instead, they held on to hope, trusting that God might move. And He did.
When we feel unseen or unappreciated, let us remember this: God notices what others overlook. He saw Tabitha’s quiet acts of love, and He sees ours too. Every gesture of kindness, no matter how small, is treasured by Him. And in those moments when discouragement weighs heavy, He offers us hope—hope to endure, hope to keep touching lives, and hope to grow deeper in faith. For the God who raised Tabitha still works today, and He will never let a single act of love go unseen.
 

PRAYER

Grant us the courage to serve faithfully in our communities. Teach us to set aside ourselves so that You may be made greater through our lives. Just as Tabitha touched the hearts of those around her, may we also become living testimonies of Your love, drawing others closer to You. Amen.


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Though our flesh may grow weak, may our spirits remain steadfast and hungry to serve others in the name of Christ.

Esther Mathew 
Salem MTC, New York

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