“32 As Peter was traveling from place to place, he also came down to the saints who lived in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 34 Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed,” and immediately he got up. 35 So all who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. She was always doing good works and acts of charity. 37 In those days she became sick and died. After washing her, they placed her in a room upstairs. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples heard that Peter was there and sent two men to him who begged him, “Don’t delay in coming with us.”39 So Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they led him to the room upstairs. And all the widows approached him, weeping and showing him the robes and clothes that Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 Then Peter sent them all out of the room. He knelt down, prayed, and turning toward the body said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. 41 He gave her his hand and helped her stand up. Then he called the saints and widows and presented her alive. 42 This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And Peter stayed on many days in Joppa with Simon, a leather tanner.”
Acts 9:32-43

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Looking to the early church for our example, we see a genuine concern for the needs of others being expressed. Peter, acting as a representative of the rest, shows us what a heart of compassion should look like. All too often it is easy to get wrapped up in our own lives and the details of the day today. But what we find in Christ, is a heart that legitimately cares, shows concern, ask in mercy and faithfully communicates the heart of God.
The church is not defined first by what she stands against but by whom she stands for. If Jesus took the time, made the effort, and showed love, then so should we. We are advocates for the poor, the oppressed, the window and the orphan. We are standard bearers for the truth, and our goal is to faithfully represent Christ to everyone we meet daily. 
Jesus was no respecter of persons, status or stigma. Here we see Peter doing the same, healing a paralytic who could not work and a rich woman is raised from the dead. Both are equally valuable in God’s eyes. We start each day with no idea what possibilities God might lay before us. Our responsibility is to faithfully walk as Jesus would through our circles of influence in the rhythms of grace. We have so many opportunities to GoLove others in His Name every day. Pray for a mindful heart, a sensitive spirit and words of wisdom. Pray that God might move in you and through you and be glorified as the lives we touch or changed.