Day 6 – Dorcas' Generosity - Brethren in Christ U.S.

January 10, 2025

By Bishop Lynn Thrush, Great Lakes Conference

Scripture meditation: Acts 9:36-42

Dorcas was a disciple of Jesus who lived in the important seaport of Joppa. She spent much of her time caring for the poor and widowed in the city. She was beloved by many, so it was a shock when she grew ill and died.

About the same time, Peter was visiting a nearby town called Lydda. He healed a paralyzed man named Aneas, triggering a mass conversion in the region. News travels fast, and when the disciples in Joppa heard of the miracle, they asked Peter to come and heal Dorcas.

When Peter arrived, he was taken upstairs where Dorcas’ washed body was lying. The widows gathered next to Peter, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had provided to them.

Peter sent everyone out of the room, got down on his knees and prayed. He said to Dorcas, “Get up.” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. He took her by the hand, helped her to her feet, called for the saints and the widows, and he presented her alive to them. Once again, this good news traveled fast, for this became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.

Dorcas was always doing good. She regularly helped the poor and disadvantaged. When she saw a need, her heart immediately leapt into action through her tools of needle, thread, and loom, topped off by her feet bringing a most thoughtful and beautiful gift. How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!

Everybody knew about Dorcas and appreciated her alert eyes to persons in need. The whole community was touched in some way by Dorcas as she generously shared her life and goods with needy neighbors. Her generosity galvanized others to action and ultimately brought many into the family of God.

I challenge you: how can you emulate Dorcas’ generous spirit through your time, talent, and treasure?

Prayer

Father, I thank you for Dorcas. I ask that the Brethren in Christ Church would, like her, display that most attractive missional characteristic of generosity. Amen.