The Work of Visiting the Sick

1. The Work of Visiting the Sick

2. Introduction One important work of the church is “visiting and attendingthe sick”

3. Gal. 6:10 [10] As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

4. Visiting and attending = to show interest, to comfort, to strengthen, to encourage, to assist and give attention to

5. May our sick and shut-ins never feel that, “nobody cares, nobody comes, nobody prays, or nobody helps.” The medical field now tries to treat the whole person

6. Who are the sick? = those in the hospital, the sick at home, the afflicted and crippled, shut-ins, and the elderly who are feeble or weak

7. I. Jesus attended the sick

8. 1 Pet. 2:21 [21] For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

9. Mt. 4:24 His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.

10. Mt. 8:14-15, Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law [14] And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever. [15] And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.

11. Mt. 8:16, He healed all that were sick [16] When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:

12. Mt. 10:8, He gave power to his disciples to heal [8] Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

13. II. It is important to attend to the sick

14. Mt. 5:14-16, By this we let our light shine 14] Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. [15] Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house…

15. [16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

16. Mt. 25:38-40 41-46, Neglect of those in need has serious consequences [38] When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? [39] Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

17. [40] And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

18. [41] Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: [42] For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

19. [43] I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not [44] Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?

20. [45] Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. [46] And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

21. Visits to the sick may lead to their spiritual growth It may also lead to the restoration of the unfaithful child of God

22. Our help may contribute to the patient’s recovery “Attention and prayer go a long way in helping the ill to recover.”

23. III. Attending the sick helps the one doing the visiting

24. It helps our feelings of sympathy and compassion to grow It makes us appreciate our good health and the health of our families

25. It makes us want to go to heaven all the more – where there will be no suffering and misery

26. Rev. 21:4 [4] And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away

27. Seeing others suffer will make us more patient when we must suffer Visiting and helping strengthens the tie that binds us together

28. IV. How we can assist the sick and afflicted

29. 1. By speaking works of encouragement 2. Your very presence states, “They thought of me and cared enough to come.”

30. 3. Send cards and letters 4. Read the Bible to them– especially if they are unable to read it themselves at this time 5. Gifts of flowers, fruit, books, etc. will cheer the ill

31. 6. Go by and take them for a short walk 7. Assist them when they are having financial difficulties 8. Take them good religious literature – tracts, DVD’s, etc.

32. 9. Help them with practical duties such as cutting the lawn, cleaning the house, running errands, etc. 10. Provide food for them 11. Go in a group and sing for them

33. 12. Provide worship for the ill on the Lord’s Day 13. Don’t forget to pray for them

34. Visits from Christians will do wonders for the ill “Assisting the sick should never be considered a chore to be dreaded, but a joyous service to be rendered.”

35. The attached list of THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN VISITING IN THE HOSPITAL are intended as suggestions only - each situation may be different when visiting in the hospital