The whole spirit of the Bible runs counter to isolation and its undesirable results​—inactivity, lack of communication and failure to express love. The Scriptures teach and stimulate positive action, using many action words to do so. We are encouraged to ‘do unto others,’ to ‘go make disciples,’ to ‘ask and it will be given to us,’ to ‘keep on knocking’ for response, to ‘love one’s neighbor,’ to ‘assemble with other Christians,’ to ‘follow the course of hospitality.’ These are all antidotes to lethargy, pitying oneself, feeling unwanted or useless. Christianity requires that a person show compassion by pitying others, making someone feel wanted and useful instead of feeling useless. When we give wholeheartedly, we can rest assured that we will receive bountifully from our heavenly Father. (Matt. 6:1-4) Giving endears one to others, dispelling feelings of loneliness.

When Dorcas died, two messengers were sent to the nearby city of Lydda to bring the apostle Peter here.

When Peter was led to the upstairs room, he found women weeping. They loved Dorcas because of her many kind deeds. They are showing Peter the clothes that she had made for them. As a Christian disciple, Dorcas also must have been very active in telling others about God’s kingdom. But what could Peter do for her now that she was dead?

The first thing Peter did was to put everybody outside. Then, after kneeling and praying, he turned to the body and said: “Tabitha, rise!” At that, as you can see, she opens her eyes. She comes to life! Then Peter helped her up.

At that, Peter called the others in. You can just imagine how they must have been beside themselves with joy when they saw Dorcas up and alive! Truly, what a marvelous blessing to be raised from the dead!​—Acts 9:36-42.

We can learn a lesson from this. It illustrates that the person who seeks to help others​—giving generously of his time, energies and abilities—​will be richly rewarded. In this case, not only did these women love Dorcas for her kind deeds, but so did Jehovah God. That is why he gave Peter the power to raise her from the dead.

So, then, learn well this lesson: If you are generous toward others, you will be remembered with their love. Furthermore, generosity is one of the important qualities you need in order to be remembered by God. And he can reward you with life​—everlasting life in his righteous new order.​—Prov. 11:25; 1 John 2:17.