QUIET IMPACT
[6-minute read]
ALL OF US have met people who appeared in the most ordinary moments of our lives and did something so unexpected and thoughtful that set them apart from others. They seem to possess a certain ability to perceive and respond spontaneously to human needs without ministry platforms, programmes or personal acclaim. This ability comes naturally to some who are more intuitive in making human connections that make a difference. For the majority of us, it is a skill we gradually acquire over time.
The book of Acts described a disciple named Tabitha (or Dorcas in Greek) who was “always doing good and helping the poor”. She had fallen ill and then succumbed to the illness and passed away. Her untimely death was mourned by many in her community, not least the widows who were the key beneficiaries of her benevolence - simply because she spent her life creating quiet impact in the lives of other believers in her community. (Acts 9:36-41).
There are three key lessons we can draw from Dorcas’ life.
1. Let Your Talents Make Impact
This is not about making spontaneous acts of kindness a thing for show and tell in our Christian groups. The idea would have been outrageous to Dorcas.
When Peter arrived at the place where Dorcas’ body was laid, “All the widows stood round him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.” Where were the clothes they showed him? On the bereaved widows standing around her, all wearing clothes she had tailored to fit their unique body shapes and sizes. Dorcas did more than just provide clothings for widows, she also restored dignity to a group of people who were predominantly the poorest and most vulnerable in the community.
The Bible tells us that Dorcas was “always doing good and helping the poor”, and we see that ‘doing good’ for Dorcas meant she used her resources to buy fabric and her sewing skills to tailor clothes for the poor widows. She also demonstrated a sensitivity that anticipated the widows’ need for decency and protection.
Until we get closer to people and we risk taking initiatives, we’ll miss out on opportunities to make impact when it is needed. Sadly, spontaneous acts of kindness are rare in Christian circles today because we tend to avoid taking the trouble to do anything, if we can help it. So we put our talents and time only in formalized programmes – initiatives that are planned, resourced and executed by an institution and where we need only to sign up and show up. We hardly do anything in our personal capacity to uplift each other. Inadvertently, we create a culture that prizes self-reliance, and celebrates strength over connection.
1 Peter 4:10-11 tells us, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others… If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides”. Dorcas single-handedly planned resources, took individual body measurements, sewed, organized fittings and alterations to dress the widows in her community. It was time-consuming but it made a difference to those she clothed.
Think of a recent incident when you selflessly supported someone at an inconvenient time and place. When did you last send a card or a meal to someone recovering from an illness or injury even when that was not your particular ‘love language’?
What self-led initiatives can you think of to extend care and support to someone in your circle right now?
2. Let Your Obedience And Availability Bring Impact
Our obedience should not be outcome oriented. We follow God’s instructions whether or not we see the results that we desire and hope for. The Book of Acts tells us that Philip obeyed the angel of the Lord and availed himself to reach out to an Ethiopian Finance Minister. He explained the Good News about Jesus to him, and as a result, the first African baptism happened right there on a desert road.
To be sure, God did not give Philip a fully developed plan. Instead, this was how it went: “Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out… The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” Then Philip ran up to the chariot.” (Acts 8:26-30). Philip obeyed every instruction from God with quick follow-up action.
True obedience is marked by a readiness to avail ourselves and our resources for what matters to God.
So what has the Lord put on your heart to do that you have been holding off, letting opportunities for making a human impact slip, and your what-if analyses paralyze you to inaction? Consider what matters more: following God’s instructions or limiting Him to your ‘love language’ or comfort zone?
3. Let Your Relationships Create Impact
The apostle Paul reminded the younger Timothy that his faith did not just come out of thin air but was the result of two key figures in his life – his mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois (2 Timothy 1:4-5). These women embodied their faith in a way that had impacted young Timothy. Paul went on to say, “Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.”
Timothy was a friend who wept with Paul, and was comfortable with a level of vulnerability that is rare today – especially among men. As such, Paul spoke highly of him, “For I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.” (Philippians 2:19)
If Eunice and Lois only had domestic roles, or lived only to nurture the young within the family, they would not have modelled for Timothy the joy of staying relevant in the community and maintaining connections with people of every age. For Dorcas, the widows she served had become family to her for they stayed by her side even after her passing.
To be sure, too, Paul’s relationship with Timothy was not one-way! There was reciprocity between the younger Timothy and the senior Paul; both gave and received, and they strengthened each other in faith and purpose. To be clear, one-sided relationships fizzle out as soon as the giver withdraws.
Is there any relationship in your life where you need to do more than simply respond, react and receive from people who have impacted your life, and to take steps to be more reciprocal in giving back love, time and presence to create a healthier bond?
It’s easy to go through life as a detached bystander or be so distracted by the demands of life that we end up leaving a light touch and low impact in our interactions with others. Yet, nothing is more Christlike than when we choose to touch lives, build relationships, and make a difference in presenting Christ’s love whenever the opportunity to do so arises.
This is a summary and reflection based on a virtual BIR Session held on 18 October 2025.
