As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; Matthew 10:7-9

You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. Ezekiel 34:3-4

OCCV’s Policy Statement on Caring for the Sick

Christians, seeking to respond to God’s call to all creation for healing and wholeness, understand that the abundant life God desires for all humanity includes physical and emotional well-being. This means that we take seriously the call to promote wellness, and to advocate for healing and wholeness for all people. It also means ensuring adequate and fair access to health care for all people, according to their needs rather than their wealth or position in society. As Jesus took mercy on those who sought both physical and emotional healing, so we should be good neighbors to those who struggle with both mental and physical illness, ensuring their care and valuing their lives. Care for the lives and health of our neighbors, is an extension and expression of God’s love for us and of Jesus Christ’s healing ministry.

Caring for the Sick in our Scriptures

God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
- Genesis 1:27

I am the Lord who heals you.
- Exodus 15:26

I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
- John 10:10b

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed.
- Luke 4:18

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
- Matthew 4:23

But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?
- 1 John 3:17

Some Useful Resources

Universal Health Care Action Network Faith Project: http://www.uhcan.org/faith
(Source of most statements on this background sheet)
Re:Vision Project (National Assoc. of Evangelicals): www.revision.org
Oregonians for Health Security: http://www.oregoniansforhealthsecurity.org
Archimedes Movement: http://www.wecandobetter.org