The life of a Christian is not always sunshine and roses. Illness, disease, grief, death, troubles, and infirmity can strike any of us at any moment, leaving us feeling weak, discouraged, and isolated. The Christian walk is a shared journey, and when sickness or infirmity befalls a fellow believer, our response should reflect the compassion of Christ, and within the beautiful tapestry of the Christian Community, we are called to a response that goes beyond mere sympathy – we are called to compassion.
The Bible overflows with examples of God’s compassion for the sick and suffering. From Jesus healing the blind and lame to countless passages urging us to care for the afflicted, our faith teaches us to see illness not always as some form of chastisement, or as a punishment, but as an opportunity for God’s love to shine through, and His power to heal if He so chooses to.
So how can we, as fellow believers, embody this compassion and offer true Scriptural support when interacting with our brothers and sisters struggling with infirmity? Here are a few ways:
Firstly, practice empathy. Try to understand the challenges your brother or sister in Christ faces. Illness can impact every aspect of life, from daily routines to emotional well-being. Stepping outside of ourselves and considering their perspective fosters a deeper connection and allows us to offer support that truly meets their needs. We do this by offering practical help. A casserole left at the doorstep, a ride to a doctor’s appointment, offering to babysit for them at no charge so they can get the rest they need, or simply running errands can be a lifesaver for someone battling illness or facing a storm in their life. These tangible acts of service demonstrate our love in a way that speaks volumes more than words could ever do.
Secondly, resist armchair diagnoses. Job’s comforters, though well-meaning, added to his suffering with unfounded accusations (Job 4). We are not privy to the intricacies of God’s work. Trust Him to reveal any underlying issues as He sees fit. Be patient, sympathetic, compassionate, and exude empathy. Healing is a journey, not a destination. There will be good days and bad days. Offer unwavering support and understanding throughout the process.
Thirdly, be a listening ear. Sometimes, the greatest comfort is simply having someone who will listen without judgment. Let them share their fears, frustrations, and even doubts. Be a safe space for their emotions and offer words of encouragement rooted in Scripture and your faith. All the while avoid prescribing unproven remedies. While offering practical help with meals or errands is commendable, refrain from promoting untested or anecdotal cures, and especially refrain from falsely accusing the infirm of being demon-possessed, or demonized, or being guilty of having and holding onto some unconfessed and thereby unforgiven sin in their life. Focus instead on tangible ways to ease their burden, and less on diagnosing what may or may not be the root cause of their illness.
Fourthly, remember that illness can affect a person’s spiritual life as well. They may struggle to attend church, find it difficult to pray and read their Bible, or express how they are feeling and what they are experiencing in a way that makes sense to themselves and others. Depending on what type of illness your brother or sister in Christ may be facing and dealing with, certain limitations may come with that illness. Sometimes, healing may not come in this lifetime, but whether it does or doesn’t, it isn’t our place to decide this. Our role, according to Scripture, is to offer unwavering support, prayers, and compassion, not empty promises, and vain attempts at a cure like some shaman or witch doctor.
Fifthly, encourage open communication and demonstrate patience. Listen attentively as your sick brother or sister shares their struggles. Emphasize that their feelings are valid and offer a safe space for them to express their fears and frustrations. Chronic illness can be a long and arduous battle. Offer unwavering support throughout their journey, even when progress seems slow, and especially if their illness, disease, or infirmity is one that you personally have never experienced or dealt with. Offer to pray with them, and for them, and share uplifting healing Scriptures. Remind them that God’s love is constant, regardless of their current physical condition and ailment.
Be patient and celebrate small victories. A good day, a regained bit of strength – these are all reasons to give thanks! Encourage the individual to focus on positive developments, no matter how small. There will be good days and bad days. Offer unwavering support and understanding throughout the process.
Finally, point them to God’s faithfulness. Remind them of the countless stories throughout the Scriptures where God heals, restores, and sustains His people. Offer unwavering hope that God is with them in their struggle.
By embodying compassion, we become the hands and feet of Jesus Christ, reflecting His love to those who need it most. Remember, within the body of Christ, we are all interconnected. When one member suffers, we all suffer. But through acts of love, service, and unwavering support, we can lighten burdens, offer hope, and remind our fellow believers that they are not alone in their struggles. By prioritizing prayer, offering practical support, and demonstrating unwavering compassion, we can truly embody Christ’s love for our fellow believers in their time of need.
Let’s all work on becoming more mature Disciples of Jesus Christ every day. Remember the admonition that we have in Scripture, in Hebrews 13:5, that God will never leave us nor forsake us, especially in our times of need.
