“A Life That Left Love Behind”

Text: Acts 9:36–42

Behavioral Aim

That those gathered will honor the loving life she lived, reflect on the impact of their own lives, and be drawn to the eternal hope found in Jesus Christ.

Introduction

We gather today in a moment that is both heavy and sacred. Heavy—because loss has touched this family. Sacred—because when a life has been lived, we are given the opportunity to reflect, to remember, and to reckon with what really matters.

There are some people who leave a mark not by how loud they were—but by how loving they were. And today, we honor a woman whose life spoke in the language of love.

But at a time like this, we don’t just ask, “What kind of life did she live?” We must also ask, “What does her life say to us who are still here?”

Background of the Text

In Acts of the Apostles 9:36–42, we are introduced to a woman named Tabitha, also called Dorcas.

She lived in Joppa. And the Bible describes her in a way that is powerful:

“This woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.”

She wasn’t known for her title. She wasn’t known for wealth. She was known for her works—her kindness, her generosity, her love.

When she died, the Bible says the widows stood by weeping, showing the garments she had made for them. In other words, they didn’t just cry because she died… they cried because of how she lived.

Her life had touched people.

Relevant Question

What kind of life leaves a lasting impact—and what hope do we have beyond the grave?

Body

1. A Loving Life Leaves Visible Evidence

Tabitha’s love wasn’t just words—it was demonstrated.

The people didn’t have to guess how she felt about them. They felt her love through her actions.

And in the same way, this woman we honor today showed love:

Through her care

Bird was a person of great care. She was a person who folk knew they could depend on.

Through her presence

That contagious laugh and beautiful smile

Through her kindness

She was so kind, so kind that she didn’t even lock the front door. Only the stranger who didn’t know her, would knock. She kept an open door policy to anyone.

Through how she treated people

the fact that you are here is a testament that she was a good person who loved EVERYONE.

Love is not abstract—it shows up.

The Bible says in 1 John 3:18:

“Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

Her life reminds us: Love is what people remember when everything else fades.

2. A Good Life Is Meaningful—But Not the Final Answer

Now here is where we must be honest—and loving at the same time.

Tabitha was a good woman. She was full of good works.

But even in her goodness… she still died.

Because no matter how kind we are, how loving we are, how generous we are— goodness alone cannot stop death.

The Bible tells us in Hebrews 9:27:

“It is appointed unto men once to die…”

This is not to diminish her life—it is to tell the truth: A good life is valuable, but it is not sufficient for eternity.

Being loving matters. Being kind matters. But at some point, every one of us must answer the question:

“What have I done with Jesus?”

3. God Gives Us a Greater Hope Through Christ

In the text, God performs a miracle through Peter—Tabitha is raised back to life.

But hear me carefully— That miracle was temporary.

Because even after being raised… she would one day die again.

Which means the miracle was not the ultimate hope— it was a sign pointing to a greater hope.

That greater hope is found in Jesus Christ.

Because when Jesus Christ went to the cross:

He didn’t just raise someone else

He got up Himself

And when He rose, He conquered death—not temporarily—but eternally.

The Bible says in John 11:25:

“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.”

That is the hope we lean on today.

Conclusion

Today we celebrate a life that showed love.

And that matters. That is honorable. That is worth remembering.

But her life is also speaking to us:

Love people while you can

Do good while you can

Be present while you can

Because life is fragile.

Closing Appeal (Christ-Centered)

But beyond all of that… there is one more question that must be answered:

Do you know Jesus?

Because there will come a day when kindness won’t be enough. There will come a day when good deeds won’t be enough.

Only a relationship with Jesus Christ secures eternal life.

The same Jesus:

Who died on the cross

Who was buried in a borrowed tomb

And who rose early on the third day

He now offers life—not just here—but forever.

Final Words

We honor her love. We cherish her memory. We thank God for the impact she made.

But now… the greatest way we can honor her life— is to make sure our own lives are right with God.

Because one day—it will be our name, our life, our moment.

And the question will not just be, “Were you loving?”

But also, “Were you ready?”