ARE YOU ASHAMED BECAUSE YOU ARE SICK? (Here are 5 Things You Need to Know)

Introduction:
A young Christian woman noticed that her legs were swelling, mostly her feet. She wasn’t pregnant, so she couldn’t understand what was causing the problem. But that is not my interest in the story. My concern is that she didn’t want anyone to see her with swollen feet. She was ashamed! She believed that no Christian should get sick and so she was trying to get better as fast as possible. (She also didn’t want to be a longstanding prayer or medical project, thereby losing her freedom and control over her life.)

She prayed much about it. In due course, through consultation and careful observation, she learnt that an adjustment in her diet was necessary. She started taking skimmed milk instead of the full cream kind, cut off raw sugar and drastically reduced her intake of sugary products and the problem ceased. Now, this is a minor case. Imagine how worse some with serious and protracted illnesses might feel.

[bctt tweet=”Sickness is bad enough. Don’t make it worse with the added weight of shame.” username=”edithsmusings”]

Sickness is not a pretty experience. It comes with a lot of costs. The cost of getting help is often high and add to that: weight loss; disfigurement; loss of body parts, mental acuity or bodily functions. It’s no surprise that those with chronic or debilitating illness sometimes feel shame. However the sickness came about: congenitally, natural organic deterioration as with age, through accidents/attacks, etc., it is bad enough without the added weight of shame.

Sometimes, even friends and relatives of the sick get trapped or sidetracked by shame. No wonder the Web Dictionary defines shame as “the painful feeling arising from the consciousness of something dishonorable, improper, ridiculous, etc.” about oneself or another. Note that it uses the word “consciousness,” meaning that it’s the person’s thoughts and knowledge that are involved. Therefore, in whatever way you are affected by this, there are five things I want you to know that I hope would change your perception of yourself and whatever health condition you may be facing.

[bctt tweet=”Here are 5 things you need to know if you are ashamed of your sickness.” username=”edithsmusings”]

5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW IF YOU ARE ASHAMED BECAUSE YOU ARE SICK:

1. Anyone, including Christians, can get sick, especially when they are aging. Believers in the Bible did as in the examples below.

“Now Elisha was fallen sick of his sickness whereof he died.” – 2 Kings 13:14

“13. Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. 14. And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15. Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.” – Galatians 4:13-15

The great Prophet Elisha and Apostle Paul who performed many miracles in their ministries, including raising the dead, were sick at some point. In Paul’s case, it was something awful in the eyes. That was why he was commending the Galatian Christians for welcoming him in spite of his condition. They were not ashamed of him!


(Credit for image in graphic: Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels)

The exception to the foregoing may be if you have a special covenant with God as Moses did.

“And Moses was an hundred and twenty years old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated.” – Deuteronomy 34:7

If you think that being a Christian means that you will never have problems, you may be setting yourself up for a shock. The Lord Jesus clearly said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

(Related: A Brand Snatched From The Fire)

We can pray for relief but these things tend to show up from time to time. It is not your fault. We may open our lives to ill health if we live riotously, e.g. drinking and smoking unhealthy stuff and partying excessively, thereby denying our bodies the rest they need. But you probably aren’t doing that. It could be that your body is just following the natural order or you got bogged down by something that’s going round. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.

Even if you erred and got sick as a result, once you pray for God’s forgiveness, forgive yourself too. I pray also that those close to you will show you the grace and understanding you need because we all make mistakes now and then. But if they choose to stigmatise and victimise you, just know they will answer to God. After all, the Lord Jesus taught us in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats to care for the sick. If we don’t do it for the brethren, we will be held accountable like the goats in that story. – (Matthew 25:31-46)

[bctt tweet=”Those who stigmatise you on account of sickness will account to God.” username=”edithsmusings”]

2. God has promised healing in His word but the final word remains His. Don’t blame yourself for not getting healed. Just keep feeding on the word of God and speaking it over your situation. But remember God is the Divine Physician. The timing and extent of healing ultimately rest with Him, not with you.

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(Related: Have You Been Told You Don’t Have Enough Faith?)
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3. Your worth does not depend on your health status. God loves you just as much when you are sick as when you are healthy. I know it hurts when other people look down on you or avoid you because you are sick but always remember that the One who matters most will never leave nor shun you. With that understanding, keep your head high. Do it literally when you step out if you can.

4. We are called to take care of our bodies but that does not mean we should worship them. The human body is just a temporary shelter. Eventually, we will shed our mortal bodies to put on glorious, immortal bodies if we have been saved. While this one may be riddled with problems, that one will be perfect forever.

5. You are not responsible for other people’s attitudes. Don’t let them worsen how you feel. You need to understand that many people’s first reaction may be unsavoury if you look different from normal as a result of your ill health.. Some are visibly shocked and theirs may just be a natural reaction. Don’t be fazed by it. When people know you or become familiar with your condition, they tend to act better (stare less, offer help, don’t say rude things).

You may do your best to cover anything that may attract thoughtless remarks though as these tend to stick in the mind of the victims and get replayed over and over, reinforcing their negative feelings about their condition. For instance, you notice some blind folks wear dark glasses …. You could also wear something nice or be accompanied by a pet, a friend, etc. to help deflect the negative reaction.

Some diseases are communicable. If yours is such, follow the medical procedure for treatment, which may require a period of quarantine, till the contagion is arrested. Even if it’s a terminal case, do not see yourself as less than God sees you. But confine your interaction with others to limits that ensure their safety to avoid accusations of endangerment.

But remember that no matter what you do, you may encounter some young or unkind persons who may say some callous or insensitive things. I pray that by God’s grace you can take it all in stride.

[bctt tweet=”If you are sick, don’t hide when you need fresh air and exercise due to shame.” username=”edithsmusings”]

Conclusion:
Just understand that although your problem may seem obvious, many others who seem to have it all together also have serious problems. There probably was a time when you were well and, by God’s grace, you will see such times again. In the meantime, pray, seek medical and spiritual help but don’t be desperate and make yourself a prey to medical and spiritual charlatans.

A positive attitude will bring healing faster. Don’t hide when you need fresh air and exercise due to shame. Maintain your right standing with God and do not harbour baggage that could block the flow of God’s mercy and grace to you like non-forgiveness. You are precious in God’s sight just the way you are and in His time and His own way, He will perfect the things that concern you.

Amen in Jesus’ name.

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The scriptures used in this post are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
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111 comments

  • Ezenwa chinaza

    Wow ma this is educating.
    Number 4 got me.we shouldn’t adore our body no matter what.
    Ride on ma

  • Ozurumba Iheanyichukwuozurumba G.

    Wow daz wonderful, really you talking to me. Thank you Ma.

  • Thank you for this encouragement! It is needed by many..

  • victor chukwudi udeh

    mum, the word of God made it clear that nobody is above temptation, therefore, sickness can challenge anybody. But when some people face such obstacles, they tend to seek for help even where there is no help Up you, ma.

  • Ashamed? No. Many of us live with one sickness or not; some short term or long term. I’ve been down with one since i was a kid, but it really doesn’t weigh me down so long as i have a positive mind towards myself and go ahead to do the things i should and help others like me out. this gives me happiness and shame is very far away. Sometimes, I share my story to encourage others even though they rarely believe I have the sickness. God is always there looking out for the sick. we are not alone, never alone.

  • Caius Precious Chinwendu

    it is all about having a positive mindset and always believe that no matter the situation or circumstance, God is always with us and will never leave us. you dont have to be ashamed when you fall sick as a christian. no no no. In as much as it may reduce our faith especially after being gingered in the spirit that we carry the DNA of Christ and as such we can never fall sick. yes,we carry Christ’s DNA but when a sickness eventually comes, we should not lose our faith in Christ neither should we feel that God has abandoned us.just maintain a positive mindset and a positive output, through speaking in tongues, making positive declarations and trusting that God never abandons His people. Amazing piece ma.

  • UGWU, CHINAGOROM JOSEPH

    “….Your worth does not depend on your health status. God loves you just as much when you are sick as when you are healthy”. I love this. The status that God considers in humans is that of the spirit. Are you spiritually healthy? Being spiritually healthy is another way of recasting the biblical assertion that “..if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his” (Rom 8:9). This should bother us more, not our health status. God Bless You!

    • Edith Ohaja

      Yes, my dear, God loves us even with rashes and lumps and will heal us by the stripes of Jesus.

  • Eze, Chime Mark

    Sickness is an inevitable aspect of human life. Every soul must encounter one form of sickness or the other, but it becomes much more frightening when one lives alone with a particular sickness. Most times we consider sickness as merely physical changes of body; it is more than that. Sickness could be one’s weakness. The only remedy is being positive, i.e, having positive mindset.

  • ALEGU SOLOMON CHIDI

    This is a good one. It is full of lessons that will help us stay firm in the faith,The lord has promised us sound health and long life. If health challenges come, we should understand that He can restore our health when we diligently consult him.

  • Jeremiah Chioma Juilet

    i love this ma. i totally agree that we would get sick at one point or another. we just need to key into the victory at the cross and claim the manifestation of our healing. God bless you ma.

  • ISRAEL CHINWE GOODNESS

    I really do feel bad whenever am sick because i don’t really like the idea of people feeling sorry for me. last week i was actually down with high fever and the fever gave me a very big injury on my lips although i was not ashamed to move around with it but people were always asking eyah! see your lips what happened and that kind of made me feel bad and i had to start staying indoor for the main time n=and when healing was’nt fast approaching after several medications i started feeling bad and at a point i was even asking myself are you sure you will recover? But God has promised us healing just as you said Ma and gradually i came back to my feet.

  • Thank you dear Edith. This is a timely article. It is sad to see those who struggle with a chronic illness, believing that they are to blame and should be ashamed. I follow many blogs whose focus is about the hope and grace that the writers find in spite of chronic illnesses. I am glad that they can share this side of illness, in a positive light, with much hope and encouragement.

    • Edith Ohaja

      So glad to hear from you, April! I hope you have been fine. I pray for everyone afflicted out there that they find healing, strength and comfort in the Lord in Jesus’ name.

  • Analike, Vivian U

    There are certain times I have been sick but too ashamed to tell even my elder sister talk more of my best friend in school. Being ashamed of a particular sickness I believe is natural and quite beyond control. Sometimes because we are afraid of what they might say or may be afraid that they will tell someone else n will turn out to Jake jest of it. But all the same, I have learnt from experience that sickness should not be hidden no matter how bad it seems, talk to somebody about it and don’t prescribe treatments and drugs for yourself.
    I remember when my mum slapped me because I refused to tell her that I have been vomiting for days. No body is above being sick and sickness is naturally bond to happen at one or more times in our life.

  • Joseph Jennifer Ezinne

    the third point struck my soul.God loves me,whether I’m sick or healthy.I used to think that anytime I fall sick,it means God does not want me anymore and he wants to get rid of me, I’ll guilt-trip myself for days and cry,it was just the devil using my head.God loves us everyday,both those who are asthmatic,epileptic or Leprous. he loves us like that.when I came to the full knowledge of this,my mindset was changed. I became a better person.I stopped questioning God and hating myself each time I fell sick.thank you ma for this piece. it would do many of us a lot of good. how relieving!

  • Maduabuchi Ebube Deborah

    People’s reactions should not make you feel worse about your health situation,although this happens all the time. If someone makes you feel bad about your health, or looks at you in a certain way,don’t let it get to you.you are a king/queen and no one should make you feel anything less. life is too short to focus on negative people. When you’re unhealthy, pray and fast. Sing praises to God.Take your medications. Leave the rest for God

  • Eze,Nnenna

    This piece reminds me of Frank Edward’s God is ABLE.Truth be told we are suppose to empathize with people who are suffering from ill health instead of being callous to them.Because no one knows tomorrow.

  • Mbadugha Ifeanyi

    Couldn’t have said this better myself. I’ve come across people like that and also those that seem to think that prayer heals all and so they don’t believe in the idea of going to see a doctor. It’s one thing to have faith and it’s another to be ignorant.Miracles happen but you have to put in a certain amount of effort too.
    The 5th point is on point! You’re actually not responsible for peoples’ attitude so just focus on getting better through prayer and seeking medical attention. Nice piece ma!

  • ONAH JULIET EZINNE

    Nobody is above sickness, so speak up because you don’t know where help will come from. What if you die because you are ashamed to open up about your problem, is that the best? Thanks you, ma, for this encouraging piece.

  • Ugwu Ifunanya

    Most times people think sickness is a punishment from God, but it’s not so. Because the scriptures let us know that His plans for us are of Good and not evil. As christains we should know that God is in control of all our situations, so with that we should trust in his decisions.

  • Oleru Precious

    Thank you for this wonderful piece Ma. I am going through something similar and your words have tremendously encouraged me. God bless you.

  • Rahman Peace Taiye

    Every Christian has their own form of problems. It could be in the form of affliction or one challenge or the other. But we can pray and do something about it and one of the ways to do this is by telling someone about it. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. Being too ashamed to talk to someone may cost you your life if the illness is a critical one. Thank you so much for this piece ma. I am enlightened

  • Onyibalu kosisochukwu Maureen

    There are so many things we suffer from both spiritually and physically but one thing am sure of is that whatever we r going through or suffering from as a sickness or disease, we should always know that God is still God. And his love and mercy is new every morning…
    Nice one, aunty!

  • Ohakwe Oluchi judith

    Thank you ma for this precious piece…often times we Christians have this mindset that once we serve and worship God we are not to suffer any form sickness or infirmities…

    This is piece is trying to remind us that no matter the kind of sickness or disease we encounter while worshipping God, we shouldn’t be ashamed or worry about what people will say. Rather, we should live a normal life and believe in him(God) that knows more than the world…

  • Onyema bright

    You know the Christians of today are the Christians of “me I know go suffer I no beg for food” who says you won’t go through difficult times?if great men of God like apostle Paul could even in his state of infirmity find joy in serving God then we must understand that our health challenges shouldn’t be a determining factor to our mood for each new day.if we can see our health challenges as an opportunity for God to prove himself great then we will know longer see ourselves as disadvantaged rather we will see ourselves as a vessel for God to show his greatness.thank you ma I sure was blessed by this

  • EDEH CYNTHIA OLUOMACHI

    Serving the lord is not an easy task oooo because some times, when you preach healing to unbelievers, you may still be going through some sickness. it may be financial sickness, physical or emotional sickness and the question becomes is God actually in support of what am going through. but I believe that every situation has a purpose and that God has a better plan this has strengthened me ma…..God will continue to add more ink to your pen…….

  • Ene Kosisochukwu Zita

    This consciousness we are talking about is what takes an AIDS patient out fast. Like they say, truly, thoughts are things, and powerful things at that. So what you focus your mind on subconsciously deposits an impact on you accordingly. Sickness applies to every living soul. So it’s nothing to be ashamed of.

  • Kalaowubo Rebecca Ibinabo

    Amazing words of encouragement ma, you know some people feel that they cannot fall sick no matter what, yes but they forget that they are still wearing the flesh, paradventure it comes, take the rightful drugs with faith and confess that you are healed.

  • ugochukwu ogwu

    Thanks for this words of advice ma. I will also like to emphasis on the fact that everyone can fall sick, Christian or not and immediately you notice this do something medical about it, I lost a friend because of his ignorance. Thanks again ma

  • Abugu Chinazom

    Very nice. Most people feel ashamed to open up to those around them when they are sick…they prefer to keep it to themselves, waiting for ‘the messiah’ to send down healing oil from above to cure them.
    But if we all understand that everyone’s got one problem or the other and that we all need each other’s support, it won’t be difficult for us to own up whenever we are sick.

  • Onyeze precious chijindu

    I attended 6 different secondary schools in Enugu and Lagos, each year my parents would withdrawal me and register at a different school because am asthmatic and i grew up with a low self-esteem. I was always having crisis in school, my fellow students didn’t want to be close to me because I looked bony and i breathed like it was my last. I pleaded with my parents to let me do homeschooling, i tried committing suicide once, i dreaded going to school. I get so nervous around people, i hated the sight of my inhaler, i felt God hated me for giving me a life threatening sickness. Looking back, i totally understand how ashamed a sick person can be. Thank you ma for the words, God bless you.

  • ofodile chinenye

    this got me teary. we should not be ashamed to fall sick and when we do we should pray for healing and when we don’t get it instantly we should be patient and not blame ourselves. inspirational indeed!

  • Ekpali Joseph Saint

    “Being a Christian does not mean you are likely not to fall sick”, but one’s attitude and disposition are what matters. So one does not need to be ashamed but always trust in God.. Thank you ma for the reminder…

  • Chinemerem Onuorah

    This is a very interesting read. I love the approach. But one can choose not to be ashamed of their size because they’re sick, but the people you meet daily don’t care about such details. To them, you’re fat; go work out. So I understand why someone will feel ashamed. Our world is full of people who look at you and conclude that they know all about you, therefore judging you. Thank you ma, for this. I pray we all get better at ‘Christianing’.

  • emekaobi ijeoma rita

    sometimes i feel sickness is a way of testing our faith. why should you be ashamed of an illness when you serve a living God. it is normal for we humans to break down at certain times and i see no reason why we should feel ashamed.

  • Ihezie Eberechukwu. C.

    This is very paramount. It is something Christians of today should know. Thanks for sharing.

  • Arene Ifeyinwa Ketochukwu

    Christians should pray in faith to God for healing and trust him even if the healing is not forthcoming. Christians should also share the information about their ill-health to trusted people rather than hide it in shame because being sick is inevitable for everyone including Christians and God may answer their prayers of healing through sharing their problems with people.

  • Nnadi Daniel

    We all know sickness is a bad thing but you don’t have to keep it hidden, you can find comfort in that sympathy.

  • Thelma Ideozu

    These words of upliftment are rooted in faith and need to be seen by many! You have raised many important points here

  • Sickness, is bound to happen, it’s not something that one should be ashamed of. It’s natural to a point. Even if it has no medical cure, the fact you are a Christian doesn’t make u immuned. infact that’s when temptation looks for whose faith to drain. I totally agree with(having a postive feeling brings healing faster). And trusting God, for divine healing and visiting the hospital.Thanks ma for this great piece.

  • Nnaji Emmanuel chibuike

    Sickness is surely not what a human being should be ashamed of its one of the natural disaster a human faces on occasional basis its just your determination to withstand the pain and to take proper medications and to also pray to God to give you long lasting health so you can be able to live a good life and be able to praise his name after your health must have improved.

  • Ndubuisi Uchenna Nicholas

    God bless you ma for the words of advice and encouragement in this post

  • Ifebunandu Angela Chimerie

    Sickness can be physical or spiritual. People shouldn’t be ashamed to talk to others so as to get the needed help. shame is one of the reasons why people with terminal illnesses die early, due to the fact that they dont open up to people and seek help instead they hide themselves.

  • Sefiya

    Sickness shouldn’t bring shame, everyone gets sick especially when you’re getting old. It shouldn’t bring worries that might worsen the situation because God has promised us healing in his word, so all we need to do is have faith and think positive.

  • Maduabuchi Emmanuel Chidera

    Thank you for this encouragement.It is needed for all.

  • Egbe Ebere Blessing

    Like you know someone needed this. Read it to my aunt who has been sick for years and she is comforted by your words.

  • Nwosu Esther

    Bless u ma for the encouragement

  • Akogu Juliet Aniema

    Wow ma, this is really a great food for thought…its really important that when sickness comes, we shouldn’t try to keep it to ourselves because the harm may be too great for us to handle. I love this post, ma.

  • Ugwoke Onyinyechi Sylvia

    I am encouraged by this post. Thank you, ma

  • osuagwuchiamaka

    True talk ma. i have once felt like the woman before, but the bible made me see things differently. the bible is indeed a light unto the path of Christians.

  • Okonkwo chidimma benita

    No 5 got to me. We should not let people make us feel worse about ourselves when we are sick. Although some illness are communicable, proper treatment and care can prevent more harm. Thank you ma for this wonderful piece.

  • Nathalie Ukwu

    Very inspiring piece. Number 4 and 5 especially because people’s reactions about our physical appearance can be good or bad but it does not change who we are or how much God loves us. Vanity remains vanity.

  • Eze Chinyere

    A nice piece ma!!. Most Christians believe they should never get sick but it’s important to note that sickness is not meant for anyone in particular. Stigmatizing people who are sick is not necessary as such sickness could be as a result of aging, changes in the body system, living riotously and so on. All we need do is to take proper measures to keep ourselves fit and healthy. We should also trust that God loves us and will heal us of whatever illness.

  • Nwankwo Anita

    I have battled with this myopia eye deficiency since I was little this piece actually reassured me of the outcome of trusting God..I still believe God can still heal me…nice one ma!

  • Ezenwa Obinna G.

    nice piece ma. a great lesson and encouragement for all believers.

  • Ike Faustina Uchechukwu

    we should not be ashamed of being sick, its part of being a human, our sickness should not separate us from God, we should always have in mind that he is the ever healing God and call to him when we are in distress.

  • Atudume B. Chinwendu

    The Bible tells us that the devil has come to deceive, to kill and to destroy, isn’t it obvious that this guy (devil) is up to no good, he employs different strategies to counter the word of God for his children. To be a good and strong Christian, one should always prepare for the worst because the your faith will always be put to test, your ability to remain focus and holding on to the words of the Lord makes you stand victorious. I advice, whatever condition we find ourselves, we should stay strong cos help is on the way, our father in heaven says he will never leave u or forsake u, just stay strong, for help is on the way…

  • EKWUEME VICTOR OBIORA

    one thing that is very common to every believer is trial or temptation. this come mostly to christian not for any other thing but because they are enemies of the worldly world. Christians should not be ashamed of sickness or any kind of trial for it cometh so that there shall be victory through Jesus our lord . so, don’t die in shamefulness reveal your problems to people around you, they might be solution to them

  • Abugu Nkemjika

    I like keeping to myself when I am sick, I feel I need to be strong because I love being independent so most times before I ask for help, I am almost at my breaking point but this story has made me realize that I need to open up to others in order to get help. Thanks a lot ma!

  • A positive attitude is always good and effective for quick healing. The moment we stop all the blame games and focus on other aspects of life, our healing starts. Let me quickly share this testimony. Between October 2014 and January 2015 I was critically ill. The only thought I choose to have is a remembrance of how lively I used to be. Finally around January 2015 I was made whole again, all thanks to God. When I recovered from the illness, I became more aware of my environment and distance myself from negative thoughts. This experience really helped me to understand that it’s all in the mind!

  • Maduabuchi Ebube Deborah

    Feel bad…….like I think this is actually my first time of hearing one being ashamed of sickness…….
    “God promised us healing in his word so why will one get ashamed of sickness, are u God….I believe everything happens for a reason ND whichever situation u find yourself always open your heart to appreciate God…..

    No 5 which says we should not let people make us feel worse about ourselves….. Yes,mostly some people does that, because to them you dnt have to be sick,once they hear you are sick is either they start thinking about absurd stuffs concerning the sickness or they will stop coming close to you…..my dear wen situation like this comes up,just look up to God,allow him to be your pillar,he promised us healing wenever we are sick and he doesn’t fail his promises for us……..

  • Osere Theresa

    As a believer, one should not be ashamed of sickness, its actually the first time I’m hearing of being ashamed of sickness, its actually a challenge that will surely pass, being ashamed is more like giving it a place to stay, ma, the steps are really helpful..

  • Okereafor, Cynthia Uchechi

    Sickness cannot stop me from pursuing my goals. Except if it is very serious. I cannot be ashamed because am sick. Aside from all the reasons given by Aunty Edith, I believe i didn’t cause the sickness myself; it could have been anybody. This does not mean, however, that some persons do not get ashamed because of their sickness. In fact, i can remember, in my first year, One of my friends had skipped all her lectures for a whole week because of a sickness she considered embarrassing and shameful (chicken Pox). Thanks so much Ma, I believe many people will learn more from this post.

  • Ezugwu Gerald Chinemelum

    Sickness comes naturally to every living creature. It is not mainly a sign of curse for us because the righteous and the saints do experience it; they perceive it as the cross which they have to carry as Christians. When in sickness, instead of hiding it because we are ashamed of it, we should rather make it known to our trustworthy friends. Man, according to Martin Heidegger, is a being-with-others. We co-exist with one another so that we can help one another in times of difficulties. We should not just pray for healing; we should also pray that God will direct us to people whom He has set as instruments to bring us healing.

  • Akabuike Chisom

    Sickness is inevitable,.one who is affected should not see as a burden not to tell people but take it as a blessing from God. Job was tested with several sickness but he still believed in God, that is what Every Christian should always imitate.

  • Njoku Chioma Grace

    I cant remember the last time i fell sick because it’s been years now but i remember that the only time i fell seriously sick to the point of death, though it came with all the care, love and attention that could ever be given, i felt ashamed of myself and useless to myself. with it came depression and the fact that i would not survive but mom’s prayers and positive declarations and Dad’s encouragement saw me through it. Being sick is an awful experience but how you go about it determines if you will survive it or not.

  • Ugwu Amarachi Chinemerem

    Sickness is not something to be ashamed of, i mean who doesn’t get sick, the moment you begin to think you are different because you are sick or you see it as a burden, it will weigh you down, maybe not all problems shared can be solved but you can at least free your mind,there is ability in every disability. also remember to talk to God

  • Valeria Ogide

    An educative and thought-provoking words. We should never feel ashamed of who we are and how God made us. And also, we should have human sympathy for people who are suffering one way or the other.

  • Nweke Jemimah Chisom

    Sickness isn’t something to be ashamed of. hiding away can actually prevent one from getting the help he could have gotten from people who would have helped. Feeling terrible and probably asking God ‘why me?’ will not help but trusting him and helping yourself to get better rather than regretting and hiding away can do a whole lot of good.

  • Onuoha oluebube Jessica

    Thanks for this words of advice ma. I will also like to emphasis on the fact that everyone can fall sick, Christian or not and immediately you notice this do something medical about it, everyone is allowed to fall sick. Treat your self and pray to God to heal you.

  • Godwin Maxwell

    Ashamed? Because of sickness?
    No, you don’t have to be because it is not a sign of sin.. Rather than being ashamed, we pray to God and also share our feelings with our loved ones…
    I believe the reason why everything in life is in pair is because they are meant to help and compliment each other.

  • Ifebe June sobechukwu

    The question is who then are we to blame for not getting healed? Am not trying to be controversial but am just wondering

  • Izukah chinonso favour

    Even though we re Gods dwelling place, it doesn’t mean one won’t suffer minor or major sickness but when we do we should always ensure that we recognise and be conscious of Christ in us and speak to such sickness to leave of which truly it will and through that healing others would be stirred to believe that there is power in the word.

  • Sandra Oweka

    Everyone has had their fair share of sickness/illness but God will always send healing for His children.

  • Chigbo ifeanyi James

    Being sick is not something to be ashamed of. It doesn’t show that God doesn’t love you. It shows you are human after all. To me sickness serves as a reminder to me that my stay in this world is temporary.

  • Akpan Agnes

    Food for thought indeed. God bless u ma

  • Ani Chiamaka Theresa

    I am on overwhelmed with dis writeup, God bless u for this ma, most times u see pple loosing their hope and their faith simply became of sickness, yea..I know it doesn’t really go well wit being in pains of sickness but many people use to see it as if they have been forsaken by God, some Christians believe that there shouldn’t be anything like illness in their life which is totally bad, even in the bible, apostle Paul and prophet Elisha were sick at some point, temptation will always come but just pray to God to help u overcome it…and we the healthy ones should care for our sick ones and try not to stigmatize them cos we will account to God for our actions wen we do

  • Chika Divine Umunnakwe

    This is a great piece. First, affected by ;” am not responsible for other peoples’ attitudes , so i should not let them make me feel worse” just sank deep lesson.. I have also learned that God does not love me less whether I am healthy or sick. He is able to heal us from all sickness as He said in His word. Knowing this great piece, is a strength and wisdom to all.

  • Rahman Peace Taiye

    One of my Aunties discovered she had lumps in her breast but she didn’t tell anyone. She kept believing that God will heal her. It developed to cancer and she still kept believing that God will save her. No body knew what was happening to her. We all thought it was something spiritual and kept praying for her. When she finally opened up, the cancer had gotten to the final stage and all the doctor told us was to surround her with happiness and laughter because there was nothing he could do about it again. We lost her and I cried so much because she was my Mom’s immediate younger sister and she was my favourite aunty. It taught me a valuable lesson. When you’re ill, it’s best to tell someone and seek.medical help while praying for God to heal you.

  • Eze ifeyiwa edith

    welldone ma,i consider number two point,honestly,we should remember that nothing happen without the will of God ,sometimes our situation set us back,but all our problem is handle by God and he solve our all problem in their best time.

  • onyema chinonyelum cynthia

    As long as we live, we will be sick and suffer from afflictions but the truth still remains- in Christ we are healed. And even if we aren’t, Christ has His purpose for us and His thoughts for us are of good. Just trust in God, He knows best.

  • lnegbu Benedict

    “l will never leave you nor forsake you” is a great assurance Jesus gave us.This means that He is always with us even in our troubles and worries. Just like St. Augustine said; take care of your body as if you are going to live forever, and take care of your soul as if you are going to die tomorrow. Sickness is a natural phenomenon.

  • Aneke Modesta Chinemerem

    Sickness is a natural phenomenon that one need not to be ashamed of. Every individual at some point can be sick whether Christian or non Christian. It is also important to note that Atimes some sickness do not only demand prayer, it also needs to be backed up with proper medication because some Christian believe that once they are sick all they need is prayer to be healed which is not always right. Praying and having faith that you will be healed is good but it needs to be accompanied with proper medical medication atimes.I shared this based on my own personal experience. Be blessed Ma!

  • keswet mercy

    Most people probably would not want to be described by the ailment or being mocked at for the sickness they are suffering from that is why they tend to be withdrawn from telling people about their ailment rather they would go to God who would not just listen to them but rather provide a solution to that by curing them of their problem. But that is actually a little bit of a misconception people believe if they pray their sickness would leave them yes it would but even the scripture itself say”Heaven help those who help themselves” if you do not take proper medication backed up by prayer how do you expect to be fit?

  • DIM CHIKODIRI VIVIAN

    People are sick in different ways so because am sick and people know what am suffering from should never bring me down. I believe that everything happen for a reason and that when that reason is accomplished, GOD will always heal us. We shouldn’t let people always make us feel worst about ourself. Look at yourself and that person that is insulting you, you will know that there is something special about you that that person does not have. we shouldn’t always feel bad about what people say. NICE

  • ONUOHA DIANA

    i once listened to a preacher say that sickness is not for Christians. I was genuinely surprised and i concluded that maybe this is one of the reasons why Christians do not find it easy to disclose their health status. they feel that they are being punished by God for their sins or any other reason. as rightly said, everyone including Christians can be sick and all we need do is to take the right corrective medical measure and also pray to God for healing. we should not listen to people who make us feel like worthless persons because we are sick.

  • Odiase Erico Osazee

    As Christians, we need to understand that our physical bodies respond to our environment, being a Christian does not mean we will not fall sick.

  • Ndudu John

    If the great Prophet Elisha and Apostle Paul could fall sick then we also could. The misconception about Christian exemption from trauma most times come from the alter. Many pastors do not Preach the Whole Truth. Their messages are not complete.

  • itodo mary

    people hide sickness for fear of being ridiculed, abused or even avoided… I can’t blame people for this fear, but what I can say is with God we can overcome all things. he knows all and sees all, so why feel belittled because you are sick?

  • ONONYE CHISOM DIVINEGIFT

    One thing is certain as a Christian we know we have the power to say no to sickness but thst does not mean we won’t take care of ourselves.what really brings death among Christians some times is ignorance. You will see some one having ulcer doing dry fasting.why won’t you contribute more to your problem.thanks for the advice ma.

  • Nkwere PraiseGod

    As a matter of fact, everyone is vulnerable to sickness, Christ is not against good diet. According to st paul, he said and I quote, ” shall we continue in sin that grace may abound”. This reference might might be a little distant from this context, but I used it to illustrate something. As christian, we are not meant to be eating or drink whatever that pleases us, because we believe christ is our healer.. we should be mindful of what we take to avoid getting sick. So far, we are still in this world, we’re still liable to get sick/ill

  • Ugwuanyi Cyprian Fulton Tochi

    The True fact remains that any existing being is 100% vulnerable to sickness, in this post by our spiritual mother,she portrays sickness as that which is natural.Our contemporary world now have seen euthanasia as been moral but that is a contradiction because we are not to take someone’s life because for us he or she is suffering.
    Every sickness must have a cause,as such we must always attend medical checkup and also pray not dying in our ignorance of feeling ashamed.We are not to go about that as people who don’t have faith but rather abide with Pauline letter to the Philippians…..
    Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
    We must pray for God’s sufficient grace to enable us overcome any sickness which comes informs of temptation to us…… Amen.

  • Vanessa Ezenwafor

    I’ve really not heard or know anyone who’s ashamed because he is sick.
    If there are people out there like that, I just Aunty Edith to beg that you hope in God for healing. Follow these steps and I’m sure it’d help.
    Thanks for caring for the sick Ma.

  • MONYE GIFT ONYINYE

    Well said ma. indeed our body do become weak most of the time due to natural course of time and aging.But glory to God for his promise concerning our sickness and infirmities for by his stripes, we are healed and according to the Bible, he sent forth his words and it healed our diseases. Thank you Ma.

  • Ibemm Ginkachukwu

    Sickness is one thing that no individual can run from,whether you are a christian or not.It shouldn’t be something you should be ashamed of because we don’t entirely control what happens in our body.The only thing we can do is trust God and again take medications because heaven help those who help themselves and all will be well.

  • Jackreece Princess Daeregoba

    Our body is the temple of the lord, we should allow him dwell in us…
    It is not bad to fall sick and though sometimes it might be our fault but praying and asking God for healings and forgiveness would make us alright.
    It is nothing to be ashamed of… Everyone falls ill, one point or the other.. So Lobe yourself and live well

  • Akumambila ijeoma Winifred

    This point got me. we shouldn’t let people make us feel worse when we are sick.As Christain we have to power to say no to sickness. With God,we can overcome all things.