Let's consider how Jesus approached the sick and suffering during His ministry on earth. Jesus was moved with compassion for the multitudes, and He healed all who came to Him, Matt 14:14. He never turned away from them in fear or disgust. Instead, He touched them, cared for them, and brought them healing and restoration, Matt 8:3.
In Matthew 8:17 WEB, it is written, "Thus He fulfilled what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, saying, 'He took our infirmities, and bore our diseases.'" This shows that Jesus not only had compassion for the sick but also took their infirmities upon Himself. This is a stark contrast to how many people today treat the sick, often backing away in fear and putting on masks to protect themselves.
We must remember that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind, 2 Tim 1:7. As followers of Christ, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves, and this includes caring for the sick and suffering, Matt 22:39. We should not shy away from them in fear, but rather, approach them with compassion and love, seeking to bring comfort and healing in the name of Jesus.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we come before You, lifting up all those who are sick and suffering. We ask that You would fill us with Your compassion and love for them, casting out all fear. Help us to be Your hands and feet on this earth, bringing healing and restoration to those in need. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray for the sick, that You would touch them, heal them, and restore them, just as Jesus did during His earthly ministry. Help us the next time we are tempted to turn away from someone because of a sniffle, a cough, or another minor thing to act compassionately and Godly. Teach us to be more like Jesus every day. Give us wisdom in these situations, especially where we may not fully understand. Help us to minister to them in love, compassion, and faith, knowing that all things are possible through Christ who strengthens us. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Let us also remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:36,40 WEB, "I was naked, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you visited me. I was in prison, and you came to me. The King will answer them, 'Most certainly I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'" As we care for the sick, we are ministering to Jesus Himself. May we never forget this truth, and may it spur us on to love and good deeds, Heb 10:24.
Let us rebuke the spirit of fear that has taken hold of so many in our society today. Fear is not from God, and it should not dictate our actions and behaviors. Instead, let us put on the love of Christ, approaching the sick with compassion and a desire to see them healed and restored, 1 John 4:18.