11 Bible Verses that Remind Us Church and Health Care Go Together

There’s an argument that Christianity should be separate from government issues but health care is something we can’t ignore. No matter how we do it, it’s the church’s duty to help others get the care they need. We are all God’s children and health care is as much as a need for food, shelter and clothing. Our bodies are beautiful creations and we should help everyone maintain theirs. We can’t do it alone. These eleven voices show us how church and health care connect. 

1.Deuteronomy 15:7-8: If there is among you anyone in need, a member of your community in any of your towns within the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted toward your needy neighbor. You should rather open your hand, willingly lending enough to meet the need, whatever it may be.

We all need to help each other and health care is an excellent way to do so. We all deserve the opportunity to care for the one body we have. Without our health, it becomes harder to do the things we love and need to do. Reaching out to others instead of closing ourselves off helps us all to achieve what God desires. This is just one of the bible verses about healthcare workers and their importance. 

2. Matthew 25:40: And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

This verse is a powerful reminder that we are all God’s creation. Regardless of who we are or what we believe, he made us all. As believers, it’s crucial for us to help the least, the last and the lost. Part of this is helping them recover and prevent illness and injuries – both physical and mental. A biblical principle in health care is when emergency rooms don’t turn people away due to the inability to pay but these hospitals need help to accomplish their goals. . 

3. Luke 10:33-34: But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 

This is just part of the good Samaritan story that teaches us a very important lesson. Before the man stops to help the victim, both a priest and a Levite pass him. Whether scared or disgusted, these men ignored someone who needed health care. There are many people out there who need our help and if we stumble upon them, we should make efforts to help them heal. 

4. 1 Timothy 5:8: And whoever does not provide for relatives, and especially for family members, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 

This verse calls us to provide for one another. Part of being a believer means that we need to love and care for one another and we can often do that for the people closest to us. Whether it’s taking a loved one to the doctor, picking up their medications or helping them instill healthy habits, you can help them get the health care treatments they need to live their best lives. 

5. Proverbs 17:22: A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

This proverb expresses the benefits of medicine. While it’s used metaphorically here, it acknowledges that medicine can be very good and that we shouldn’t take it for granted. Today, health care provides medicine for conditions we can’t heal on our own. 

6. Proverbs 16:24: Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

This verse from Proverbs is an excellent metaphor but also shows that health was also important in biblical times. Both then and now, honeycomb is acknowledged as a healthy and delicious treat. Caring for our bodies is an important part of being able to do the things we’re called to do. However, we can’t always stay healthy alone. That’s where health care comes in. 

7. Matthew 10:8: Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment.

Jesus gave these instructions to the original disciples and we should also follow this philosophy. Health care is about healing one another, curing sickness and cleansing the lepers. We should do so humbly and not place pay barriers in front of life-saving care. 

8. 1 Corinthians 6:15: Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?

This verse leads to a different topic, but the sentiment is the same. Our bodies are part of the kingdom of God, and we should treat them accordingly, especially as we age or fall ill. We should also see others’ as belonging to God and we should care about improving their state of them through health care. 

9. Romans 12:6-8: We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

While we believe that Jesus is the ultimate healer, it would be foolish to ignore the healing gifts that God gives us. Everyone has spiritual gifts that influence how we help the world. Some people are gifted with the skills to become doctors, nurses and other reputable healthcare professionals and facilities. We should applaud these people and utilize their services for our care. We should also help others get that care. 

10. Acts 2:44-45: All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 

The newly-converted believers in Acts got rid of what they didn’t need to build up the communities around them. Christians should give of themselves to help other live healthy lives. When we give our care to others, we can encourage others to do the same, creating a strong community. 

11. Matthew 22:37-40: He said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

Loving our neighbors as ourselves means looking after one another. Health care aims to show love through healing, helping people live longer and more fruitful lives. We can’t say we love someone if we let them suffer when we could change their situation by providing the right care. 

Remembering the Importance of Health Care 

Health care is a necessary part of life and we shouldn’t ignore those unable to get it. These verses are an excellent reminders that we all need to help each other care for our bodies.