The Kindness of Tabitha

Introduction (2 minutes):

Start with a friendly hello to everyone.

Share a quick story about a time someone was kind to you and how it made you feel.

Transition: "Before we dive into our lesson about kindness, let’s take a moment to talk about the most important way we can truly show God’s kindness—by becoming His children."

The Gospel Message (5 minutes):

We Are Accountable to God

Genesis 1:1 (NKJV): "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

Explain: God made everything, including us, which means we belong to Him and are accountable to Him.

The Bad News: We Have Sinned Against God

Romans 3:23 (NKJV): "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

Romans 6:23 (NKJV): "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Explain: Sin separates us from God, and the penalty is spiritual death. We all need forgiveness.

The Good News: Jesus Paid for Our Sins

John 3:16 (NKJV): "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

1 Peter 2:24 (NKJV): "Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed."

Explain: Jesus took the punishment we deserved by dying on the cross and offers us forgiveness and eternal life.

How Should We Respond?

Romans 10:9-10 (NKJV): "That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

Romans 10:13 (NKJV): "For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Explain: God invites us to trust in Jesus, confess our sins, and follow Him. It’s a decision we each must make.

Transition: "Once we’ve trusted in Jesus and become God’s children, we can truly demonstrate the kindness of God to others. Let’s now look at how Tabitha did just that."

The greatest demonstrating of kindness we have recieved is clearly seen the the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.

Transition: "Today, we’re going to hear about someone in the Bible whose kindness made a big difference. Her name was Tabitha, and her story is in Acts 9."

Scripture Reading (2 minutes):

Acts 9:36–43 NKJV

36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put 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. 41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. 43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.

Key Lessons from Tabitha’s Story (12 minutes):

1) Kindness in Action (Acts 9:36)

Acts 9:36 NKJV

36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.

"This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did."

Tabitha didn’t just talk about kindness—she actively demonstrated it by using her skills to help others. Making clothes for widows was a meaningful act of love and care, especially in her time when widows often had little support. By meeting a practical need, Tabitha showed how kindness can bring comfort and dignity to other

Application: Ask students to think about ways they can be kind, like helping a friend, sharing, or saying kind words.

Supporting Scripture:

Proverbs 19:17 NKJV

17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, And He will pay back what he has given.

1 John 3:16–17 NKJV

16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?

2) The Impact of Kindness (Acts 9:39)

Acts 9:39 NKJV

39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.

"All the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them."

Tabitha’s kindness had such a profound impact that people were deeply moved by her loss. The widows’ tears and the garments they displayed were tangible reminders of the love and care she poured into her work. Her actions didn’t just meet needs; they built relationships and left a lasting legacy of compassion.

Application: Remind students that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.

Supporting Scripture:

Matthew 5:14–16 NKJV

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Hebrews 10:23–25 NKJV

23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

3) God Honors Kindness (Acts 9:40–42)

Acts 9:40–42 NKJV

40 But Peter put 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. 41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.

"Peter put 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."

God honored Tabitha’s life of kindness by bringing her back to life through Peter’s prayer. This miracle demonstrated that her kindness was not only valued by the people around her but also by God Himself. It became a powerful testimony of God’s love and power, showing that acts of kindness can be used by God to inspire faith in others.

Application: Remind students that when we are kind, we show God’s love, and He can use our actions to help others know Him.

Supporting Scripture:

Galatians 6:7–10 NKJV

7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Conclusion and Challenge (4 minutes):

Recap:

Tabitha’s story teaches us that kindness is something we do, it has an impact, and God values it.

Even small acts of kindness can leave a lasting legacy.

Challenge:

I want to challenge you to be mindful of how you can be kind this week. How might you show kindness towards your family? A friend? Someone here at school? At church?

Final Scripture:

Ephesians 4:31–5:2 NKJV

31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. 1 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for the story of Tabitha and the example of kindness she demonstrated. Help us to remember kindness is more that just nice words spoken—it is something each of us as to actually do. Teach us Father to use the gifts You’ve given to us to help others and share Your Gospel with them.

We ask for courage to be kind even when it isn’t easy and to see the opportunities You give us to make a difference. May our choice and actions reflect Your love and point other to You. The King of kings and the Lord of lords.

Father, please bless each student here and guide them to not only show kindness to their families, friends, and others they meet; but help them to honor and glorify you. Thanks again for showing us kindness through the sending of your Son Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for the sins of the world. So that any who believes in Him will be saved.

It is in His name we pray, the mighty name of Jesus… Amen.

Optional Closing Activity:

Ask students to write one kind thing they plan to do or draw a picture of how they can show kindness this week; and keep the slip in their pocket or Bible as a reminder.