“Now in Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha. She was devoted to good works and acts of charity” (Acts 9:36).

Charity is a word we don’t use much anymore. In recent years, the word has taken on certain bad connotations as charity is used to describe something which people get for free or which is given to them without any investment. In its historic connotation (and the significance of the word as used in the Bible), charity was the deepest form of caring, the agape way of sharing, the way in which Christ’s love was known.

This short interlude in the Book of Acts tells the story of Tabitha—a woman who lived in Joppa and who was, for all intents and purposed, the leader and pillar of that congregation. Her entire life was devoted to helping others, to performing acts of charity. There was no greater servant than Tabitha.

In youth ministry, we so easily can forget that charity is still important. Through our deeds and actions of devotion and sacrifice, others will know the goodness of God. When we can embody this type of charity for our teenagers, they also will embody a desire to help their friends and neighbors.

Consider your ministry and the work you are doing. Perhaps there are places where you are shining examples of charity.

Is there some ministry your teenagers are engaged in that feeds the hungry? Perhaps you have a stellar peer-counseling group? Perhaps your group is deeply committed to mission work or helping neighbors in your community? You might be sending letters to servicemen and servicewomen overseas. There may be fundraising endeavors that collect money for other missions.

Whatever it is you are doing, don’t neglect to see your work as an act of charity. Through your charity, God’s goodness is made know.