Caring for the ill is essential to the Christian faith since Jesus stressed loving and serving those in need. The Bible is filled with scriptures encouraging us to care for the sick and be compassionate to those in need.
These passages not only guide how we should care for the suffering but also provide comfort and hope to those going through tough times.
This article will examine some of the most compelling Bible scriptures regarding caring for the sick and consider how we might practice these teachings.
Contents
Bible Verses About Caring For the Sick
1. James 5:14-16
“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
2. Proverbs 14:31
“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
3. Matthew 25:36
“I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
4. 1 John 3:17-18
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
5. Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
6. Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
7. Luke 10:33-34
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.”
8. 1 Timothy 5:8
“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
The Biblical Mandate to Care for the Sick
9. Exodus 23:25
“Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you.”
10. Deuteronomy 7:15
“The Lord will keep you free from every disease. He will not inflict on you the horrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but he will inflict them on all who hate you.”
11. Psalm 41:3
“The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.”
12. Psalm 103:2-3
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.”
13. Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed.”
14. Jeremiah 33:6
“Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.”
15. Ezekiel 34:16
“I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice.”
16. Proverbs 3:7-8
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.”
Jesus’ Example of Caring for the Sick
17. Matthew 10:8
“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.”
18. Matthew 14:14
“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.”
19. Mark 6:56
“And wherever he went—into villages, towns, or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.”
20. Luke 4:40
“At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.”
21. Acts 3:6-8
“Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.”
22. James 5:15
“And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”
23. 1 Peter 2:24
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds, you have been healed.”
24. Mark 1:40-42
“A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.”
The Power of Prayer and Healing in Caring for the Sick: Biblical Examples
25. James 5:14-15
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”
26. Mark 11:24
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
27. Matthew 9:22
“Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.”
28. John 9:31
“We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will.”
29. Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
30. Acts 9:40-41
“Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive.”
31. 2 Chronicles 16:9
“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”
God’s Promise of Healing in the Bible
32. Exodus 15:26
“He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”
33. Psalm 103:2-3
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.”
34. Isaiah 53:5
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed.”
35. Jeremiah 30:17
“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord.”
36. Matthew 8:2-3
“A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.”
37. Mark 16:17-18
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
38. Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
39. Revelation 21:4
“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Caring for the Sick as a Christian Duty
40. Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
41. Matthew 25:35-36
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
42. James 1:27
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
43. Luke 10:33-34
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.”
44. Hebrews 13:16
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
45. 1 John 3:17-18
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
46. Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality
Praying for the Sick
47. James 5:14-15
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”
48. Psalm 30:2
“Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.”
49. Psalm 107:19-20
“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.”
50. Mark 11:24
“Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
51. Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
52. Jeremiah 33:6
“Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.”
53. 1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
54. Matthew 21:22
“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
Encouraging Words for the Sick
55. Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
56. Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
57. 2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
58. Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
59. Psalm 91:15-16
“He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life, I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
60. John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Conclusion
Christians are commanded to love their neighbors as themselves, which includes providing comfort and assistance to those in need, particularly the sick.
The Bible reminds us that displaying compassion and empathy to people in need is a moral obligation and a way to worship God.
Following these teachings, we can create a more loving and caring society where everyone is valued and supported. Finally, as stated in Matthew 25:40, caring for the sick is serving Christ himself.
