In the context of the Bible, the term "patients" is not directly referenced as it is understood in modern medical terminology. However, the concept of caring for the sick and the virtues associated with patience and compassion are deeply embedded in the biblical narrative. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that emphasize the importance of caring for those who are ill, reflecting God's compassion and mercy.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament lays a foundation for understanding the care of the sick through the laws and practices of the Israelites. Levitical laws, for instance, include instructions on dealing with various diseases, particularly leprosy, which was a common concern in ancient times. Leviticus 13-14 provides detailed guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of leprosy, highlighting the community's responsibility to care for and protect both the sick and the healthy.

The Psalms often reflect a cry for healing and divine intervention in times of illness. Psalm 41:3 states, "The LORD will sustain him on his bed of illness and restore him from his bed of sickness." This verse underscores the belief in God's power to heal and the hope for restoration.

New Testament Context

The New Testament further develops the theme of caring for the sick, with Jesus Christ serving as the ultimate example of compassion and healing. Jesus' ministry was marked by numerous healings, demonstrating His divine authority and deep compassion for those suffering. In Matthew 9:35 , it is recorded, "Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness."

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) illustrates the call to love and care for one's neighbor, regardless of social or ethnic boundaries. The Samaritan's actions in tending to the wounded man exemplify the Christian duty to show mercy and provide care to those in need.

The early church continued this mission of care, as seen in the Acts of the Apostles. Acts 5:15-16 describes how people brought the sick into the streets so that Peter's shadow might fall on them, and "crowds gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and all of them were healed."

Theological Implications

The care for patients, or the sick, is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of human dignity and the imago Dei—the belief that all humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This belief compels Christians to treat every individual with respect and compassion, reflecting God's love and mercy.

The virtue of patience, closely related to the care of patients, is also emphasized in Scripture. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and is essential in enduring trials and showing steadfast love to those who are suffering. James 5:14-15 encourages the church to pray for the sick, stating, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick."

Practical Application

In practical terms, the biblical call to care for patients manifests in various ways within the Christian community. Hospitals and healthcare institutions founded by Christian organizations often emphasize holistic care, addressing not only physical needs but also spiritual and emotional well-being. Christians are encouraged to volunteer, support, and pray for those who are ill, embodying the love of Christ in tangible ways.

The biblical perspective on patients and the care of the sick challenges believers to act with compassion, patience, and faith, trusting in God's ultimate healing and restoration.2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Topicalbible.org

Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Topicalbible.org

Colossians 3:12
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering;
Topicalbible.org

Proverbs 25:15
By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaks the bone.
Topicalbible.org

1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Charity suffers long, and is kind; charity envies not; charity braggs not itself, is not puffed up,
Topicalbible.org

Appointment to Bareilly
... There was no lack of patients for the new doctor; for in addition to her work in
the orphanage and her medical class, calls to native homes in the city became ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hoskins/clara a swain md/appointment to bareilly.htm

God a Refuge for Us
... At times there were not less than fifty in-patients in the hospital, besides
a large number who daily attended the out-patient department. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter xvii god a refuge.htm

But they with whom we Argue have Undoubtedly a Right to Select ...
... to urge their petitions, he sometimes appeared to dread the imputation of vanity;
at other times, by the earnest supplication of the patients, and the ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter ii but they with.htm

The Bible --The Background and the Picture.
... No physician ever revealed his skill without his patients. ... The doctor's dealings
with his patients measure the extent of his known skill. ...
/.../the biblethe background and the.htm

Preaching the Gospel, Healing the Sick
... God. * * * *. With those women who come as patients to the dispensary,
we enter upon a more intimate relationship. The payment ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xxii preaching the gospel.htm

Naaman's Wrath
... that we 'have sinned, and come short of the glory of God'; and our Great Physician,
in His great remedy, insists upon treating us all as patients, and not as ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/naamans wrath.htm

1875-1877. Mrs. Way's Sewing --Class for Jewesses --Bible Flower ...
... wards, with nothing softer for the tired eyes to rest on than the endless stretch
of whitewashed walls, the background of long rows of patients whose sad pale ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lowe/gods answers/chapter vi 1875-1877 mrs ways.htm

If we Speak, However, of what are Called "Corporeal" and "External ...
... 4563] improperly termed "evils" which are inflicted by fathers, and instructors,
and pedagogues upon those who are under their care, or upon patients who are ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen against celsus/chapter lvi if we speak.htm

A Rationale of Sleep, of Yawning, and of Dreams .
... also is taken by those skilled in medicine, that according to the differences of
complaints the visions of dreams appear differently to the patients: that the ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/xiii a rationale of sleep.htm

Mrs. Hsi's Gift
... for opium, and he felt that, for the evangelisation of his native province, some
means might be devised whereby the treatment of opium patients might be ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter i mrs hsis gift.htm

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