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What does the Bible say about helping the sick?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible calls God’s people to show Christlike compassion to the sick, serving them in love while trusting the Lord as the true giver of healing and comfort. Jesus teaches that care for the needy is service rendered to him (Matthew 25:35-45), and the Golden Rule directs believers to treat others as they would wish to be treated (Matthew 7:12). Christians should do good to all, especially fellow believers (Galatians 6:10), sharing practical hospitality and bearing one another’s burdens. James 5:14-15 encourages the church to pray for the sick, seeking God’s mercy through the elders’ ministry. Though God may heal, Isaiah 41:10 assures sufferers of his sustaining presence, and believers are called to reflect his tender care.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Matthew 25:35-45

    [35] for I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in; [36] naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me.' [37] "Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you; or thirsty, and give you a drink? [38] When did we see you as a stranger, and take you in; or naked, and clothe you? [39] When did we see you sick, or in prison, and come to you?' [40] "The King will answer them, 'Most assuredly I tell you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' [41] Then he will say also to those on the left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels; [42] for I was hungry, and you didn't give me food to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me no drink; [43] I was a stranger, and you didn't take me in; naked, and you didn't clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you didn't visit me.' [44] "Then they will also answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and didn't help you?' [45] "Then he will answer them, saying, 'Most assuredly I tell you, inasmuch as you didn't do it to one of the least of these, you didn't do it to me.'

  • Matthew 7:12

    Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.

  • Galatians 6:10

    So then, as we have opportunity, let's do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.

  • 1 Peter 3:8

    Finally, be all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, courteous,

  • Matthew 10:8

    Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give.

  • James 5:14-15

    [14] Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, [15] and the prayer of faith will heal him who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.

  • Isaiah 41:10

    Don't you be afraid, for I am with you; don't be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.

  • Proverbs 19:17

    He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; He will reward him.

  • Romans 12:13

    contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.

  • Philippians 2:4

    each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.

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