Chronic Illness and Sin

Last updated on: November 13, 2014 at 9:03 pm by Abra Carnahan

Chronic Illness and Sin 2014-11-13T21:03:32-07:00 Abra Carnahan

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If someone tells you that the reason you are hurting, the reason you are sick, the reason you are depressed, the reason you need help is because you don’t have enough faith, beware, because that is preaching a prosperity gospel, not the true gospel message.

This does *not* mean that the person experiencing these things is not in sin — if you believe Scripture you know we all are (Romans 3:23). What this does mean is that life is a lot more complicated then simply “being a better Christian.” Christ never promised us health and wellness on this side of glory, He did promise to bring us through this life with confident hope and joy.

See John 9:3 if this idea makes you roll your eyes. Remember that the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit (Psalm 51:17), not the right college degree, not knowing how to win an argument and not having all the right answers. We must be very careful not kick the suffering when they are down instead of offering them the gracious freedom of the Gospel. Jesus said, “what sorrow also awaits you experts in religious law! For you crush people with unbearable religious demands, and you never lift a finger to ease the burden.” (Luke 11:46)

For those who know what I’m talking about, for those who understand what it is like to be on the receiving end of pharisaical condemnation, take heart and don’t forget Romans 12:14-21, “Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody. Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.” Our Scriptures tell us that if you see your enemy hungry, go buy that person lunch, or if he’s thirsty, get him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness. Don’t let evil get the best of you; get the best of evil by doing good.”

“Some difficulties aren’t there to be solved, but are there as a measure of God’s grace.”

-Matt Chandler

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