THE MISSION OF THE LOCAL CHURCH #3

VISITING AND ATTENDING THE SICK

INTRODUCTION

A. One important work of the church is “visiting and attending
to the sick”

1. By “visiting” and “attending” we mean to call on so as
to show interest, to comfort, to strengthen, to
encourage, and to render assistance and attention.

2. May our sick and shut-ins never feel that “nobody
cares, nobody comes, nobody prays, or no body helps.”

3. In our administration to them we need to be proficient; for
in so doing, we are fulfilling a divine responsibility and
performing a wonderful deed of service

B. In fact, in medical circles today there is a constant
awakening to the reality that when one is ill the totality of
his existence is affected.

1. No longer do doctors insist on treating the physical ills of
a patient without considering the patient’s spiritual and
mental condition.

2. When the patient’s relationship with God is improved, and
when his attitude improves – there will very likely be a
physical improvement as well.

C. Who are the sick whom we have in mind in this lesson?
They are the hospitalized, the sick at home, the afflicted
and crippled, shut-ins, and the elderly who are feeble or
weak.

DISCUSSION

A. JESUS ATTENDED TO THE SICK

1. 1 Peter 2:21

a. Our perfect example in all things

b. Our perfect example in attending to the sick

2. “They brought unto Him all the sick” (Mt. 4:24)

3. Jesus healed Peter’s sick mother-in-law (Mt. 8:14-15)

4. He healed all that were sick (Mt. 8:16)

5. Gave power to His disciples to heal the sick (Mt. 10:8)

B. IT IS IMPORTANT TO ATTEND TO THE
SICK

1. By this we let our light shine

a. Matthew 5:14-16

b. Many times the church has been placed in a very
favorable light due to others observing our assistance to
the ill

2. Assisting the sick is essential to getting to heaven

a. Matthew 25:31-46 … many have the attitude “let
someone else do it”

b. Do you see how serious visiting is? We can lose our
souls if we are not attending to the sick.

3. Visits to the sick often contribute to the spiritual
growth of the ill and the restoration of the delinquent

a. How many delinquent church members or
non-Christians have you known who have changed their
life because Christians have given them kind attention
during their illness?

b. People do not care how much we known until the know
how much we care

4. Such can contribute to the patient’s recovery

a. As mentioned earlier, physicians are no longer only
concerned with the physical ills of their patients

b. They are concerned with their spiritual and mental
health as well

c. Attention and prayer go a long way in helping the ill to
recover

C. ATTENDING TO THE SICK HELPS THE
VISITOR

1. It enlarges our capacity of sympathy and compassion

2. It increases our appreciation for our health and the health
of our families

3. It makes us want to go to heaven all the more – knowing
there will be no more misery in heaven … Revelation
21:4

4. Seeing some in critical conditions will make us more
patient when we must suffer

5. It strengthens the tie that binds

D. THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN VISITING
THE SICK

1. Make your visits short (perhaps 5 minutes)

2. Visit at an opportune time – observe visiting hours

3. Avoid such statements as, “I knew someone who had the
same thing and died”

4. Speak softly, avoid loud laughing and talking.

5. Smile be cheerful

6. Do not suggest a “sure cure” or a change in the doctors
medication

7. Do not state a lack of confidence in the patient’s doctor

8. Leave with a cheery “hurry up and well”

9. When a person is n pain or very ill, simply step in and
smile and wish them well and say you’ll return later

10. Avoid a funeral like atmosphere

11. Assure the patient that you and others are praying for
them

12. Do not waken a patient who is sleeping – leave a note

13. Be a good listener if they wish to talk

14. Do not bring up bad news that a patient has received

15. Do not engage in long conversations with other visitors

16. Make sure your visit is a personal one and not a
professional one

17. When appropriate remind them of a few encouraging
passages

a. Romans 8:28

b. Psalm 46:1

c. 1 Peter 5:7

d. Ephesians 3:20

e. Matthew 7:7-11

f. Psalm 61:1-4

E. HOW CAN WE ASSIST THE SICK AND
AFFLICTED?

1. By speaking words of encouragement

2. Your very presence states, “They thought of me and cared
enough to come”

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

6. Go by and take them on a little stroll in their wheelchair

7. Assist them in financial obligations when they are having
difficulties

8. Take good literature to them

9. Help with practical duties:

a. Cutting of lawns

b. Clean their house

c. Run errands for them

d. Etc.

10. Furnish them food

11. Groups can go to the hospital and sing

12. Provide worship for the ill on the Lord’s day

13. Don’t forget t pray with them

CONCLUSION

A. Visitation programs do wonders with the ill

B. Be sure that you are acquainted with the major hospitals,
phone numbers and visiting hours

C. Assisting the sick should never be considered a chore to
be dreaded, but a joyous service to be rendered