“By the sick, I do not mean only those that keep their bed, or that are sick in the strictest sense. Rather I would include all such as are in a state of affliction, whether of mind or body; and that whether they are good or bad, whether they fear God or not.”     John Wesley

 When visiting the sick, you will encounter believers and non-believers alike. You will encounter lovers of Jesus and haters of God. You will meet Christians who are joyful and Christians who are disappointed, disillusioned, depressed and full of despair. You will stand at bedsides and look into sullen eyes that question God’s faithfulness. Peace filled believers will encourage you as they march toward death’s door. Yet, at times you may witness suffering beyond the ability of any human to comprehend. You will long to caress children, whose frail bodies, curved with disease, shame complaining hearts. Eyes will fasten upon you as saints and sinners search for answers. Are you up to the task? If you answered, “Certainly not,” you are right and perhaps ripe for the undertaking.        

As in antiquity, contemporary gates of Bethesda encircle many who are resigned, reconciled and resolute to live with illness and disease while hope fades by the day, month, year and decade. John Wesley aptly reminds us that affliction knows no boundaries of beliefs, proximities, status or character.  It is our assignment, therefore, to look beyond the outward appearance to behold the image and likeness of God and to remember how precious each of God’s creatures is to Him.

 Jesus is the healer, the burden bearer, the only deliverer of grace unfathomable and the supreme author of peace. We are merely His messengers. We go as ambassadors, representing the King of all Kings, to extend Jesus’ arms in love to those for whom He shed His precious blood. We refrain from judging and condemning.

The Apostle Paul asks, “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us” (Romans 8:34).

Remember, God sent not His Son into this world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved (John 3:17). Let us, as students of the Holy Spirit, eagerly set aside our inclinations and subdue our notions and emotions. Let us discipline our discernments to rather discover the limitless power of God’s love and mercy toward His creation.

Let us, therefore, walk in the Love of God and leave the proving to God alone. Let us walk in the expectancy of God’s mercy and grace that heals. Let us walk in meek­ness, considering our own selves, lest we fall, lest we offend.

Let love prevail. Love never fails. Love melts hearts and soothes fears. Love assures and reassures. Love is kind. Love empathizes and sympathizes. Love accepts. Love speaks and love keeps silent. Love prays so that all present can understand. Love defers to wisdom. Love defers to itself…