Topical Bible: Love to Man: should be Exhibited, in Visiting the Sick

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The act of visiting the sick is a profound expression of love and compassion, deeply rooted in biblical teachings. This practice is not merely a social duty but a spiritual obligation that reflects the love of Christ and the heart of the Gospel. The Bible provides numerous examples and exhortations that underscore the importance of caring for the sick, emphasizing that such acts are a tangible demonstration of love to our fellow man.

Biblical Foundation

The call to visit and care for the sick is woven throughout Scripture, highlighting the importance of this ministry. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus Himself identifies with the sick and needy, stating, "I was sick and you looked after Me" (Matthew 25:36). This passage underscores the idea that in serving the sick, believers are serving Christ Himself. The act of visiting the sick is thus elevated to a sacred duty, reflecting the love and compassion of Jesus.

Exhortations to Care for the Sick

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently encourages believers to exhibit love and care for one another. In Galatians 6:2, he writes, "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" . Visiting the sick is a practical way to bear the burdens of others, offering comfort, prayer, and support during times of illness and distress.

James, the brother of Jesus, also emphasizes the importance of caring for the sick within the community of faith. He instructs, "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" (James 5:14). This directive not only highlights the role of prayer but also the communal responsibility to support and care for those who are unwell.

Examples of Compassionate Care

The ministry of Jesus provides the ultimate example of compassionate care for the sick. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is depicted as healing the sick, showing deep compassion and concern for their physical and spiritual well-being. In Mark 1:41, Jesus, moved with compassion, reaches out to heal a leper, demonstrating His willingness to touch and heal those who are marginalized and suffering.

The early church also exemplified this love in action. Acts 9:36-39 recounts the account of Tabitha (Dorcas), a disciple known for her good works and acts of charity, including caring for the sick. Her life serves as a model for believers, illustrating how acts of kindness and service can have a profound impact on the community.

Practical Implications

Visiting the sick is a practical expression of love that requires empathy, patience, and a willingness to serve. It involves listening, offering words of encouragement, and providing practical assistance where needed. This ministry is not limited to physical presence but can also include sending messages of support, praying for healing, and ensuring that the sick feel valued and loved.

In fulfilling this biblical mandate, believers are called to reflect the love of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). By visiting the sick, Christians demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel, bringing hope and healing to those in need.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 31:16-22
If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

James 1:27
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"Love that Passeth Knowledge. "
... my boy does not wake up, and I should never see ... the British flag, and wrapped it
around the man, and the ... the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love. ...
/.../moody/the way to god and how to find it/chapter i love that passeth.htm

1 John iv. 16-Dec
... Not there should be the end of thy joy, not there the goal of thy rejoicing, that
thou ... With a truer touch of love thou lovest the happy man, to whom ...
/.../ten homilies on the epistle of john to the parthians/homily viii 1 john iv.htm

Matt. Iv. 12
... 6. Let us now, I pray you, take courage at His love to man, and let ... For if we should
be able to prevail upon the Judge before the appointed day to forgive ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xiv matt iv 12.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iii.
... when they see any one superior to the love of money ... For there is a fear lest the
man, if he has been punished beyond what he deserves, should experience that ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 3.htm

The Scripture Way of Salvation
... as the guilt which on account thereof we should incur, were we ... not one word more
to satisfy a reasonable man of this ... and the heart of thy seed, to love the Lord ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 43 the scripture way.htm

The Song of the Redeemed
... acknowledged it to be just, right and equal, that if any man would not love the
Lord ... after all He had done and suffered for sinners, he should be accursed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xlviii the song of.htm

False Brethren and False Principles in the Church: Spirit and ...
... said they, "becomes a god when man chooses that it should, and dedicates it to ... "Let
every man," said they ... how they could be attracted to each other by love to a ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iii false brethren and.htm

English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... says, 'He hath chosen us in him, that we should be holy and without blame before
him through love; who has ... well of all, and not rashly judge any man to be ...
/.../english version of the second.htm

Ascetic.
... [559] Before dawn we should rise and ... be, he must heal the sickness of the soul by
severer treatment; for example, love of vain ... [567] Even a man's thoughts are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/basil/basil letters and select works/iii ascetic.htm

The General Conference of 1804, and of the Annual Conferences of ...
... than that the emigrants who settled among them should gradually assimilate ... that such
was his unabated charity, his ardent love to God and man, his patience ...
/.../chapter 6 the general conference.htm