Is sickness a blessing?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
cv5

cv5

Well-known member
#21
Nov 20, 2018
23,778
8,614
113
#21
MaryM said:
I like the writing of the Rev J R Miller, he imparts much wisdom and clarifies Biblical questions.

However, today I read a section in which he maintains that sickness is a blessing for which we should always be grateful.

I am not sure at all about that! My health of late has not been good and I definitely DO NOT feel it is a blessing. I pray to Jesus for healing and strength and I always feel comfort is given. I want to be well and I believe Jesus heals, He spent His ministry on earth healing people. He wants us to have life abundantly - surely this does not mean suffering?

To me all sickness and disease is bad and frightening. Yes we learn lessons and grow in character by earnest prayer, by leaning on God and trusting Him to heal us. I know many people do live very great productive lives DESPITE awful afflictions. This we may certainly admire and take inspiration from. Certainly we don't learn anything useful during easy good times, adversity is often a time of learning true lessons.

But to call sickness an actual blessing is going too far in my view. Can and should anyone actually welcome illness? I am just not made of such stern stuff!

What evidence is in the Bible to say sickness is a blessing? Do you suffer long-standing illness and do you consider it a blessing?
Click to expand...
From what I recall, sickness in NEVER specifically called a "blessing" anywhere in the Bible.
It is called a lot of other things, but not a blessing.

On the other hand, healing and return to health IS referred to as blessing and gift.

Same goes for "poverty" if I recall.

Ultimately, Jesus is not redeeming/renewing the world by making people sick and poor. Quite the contrary.
 
Blain

Blain

The Word Weaver
#22
Aug 28, 2012
19,502
2,707
113
#22
MaryM said:
I like the writing of the Rev J R Miller, he imparts much wisdom and clarifies Biblical questions.

However, today I read a section in which he maintains that sickness is a blessing for which we should always be grateful.

I am not sure at all about that! My health of late has not been good and I definitely DO NOT feel it is a blessing. I pray to Jesus for healing and strength and I always feel comfort is given. I want to be well and I believe Jesus heals, He spent His ministry on earth healing people. He wants us to have life abundantly - surely this does not mean suffering?

To me all sickness and disease is bad and frightening. Yes we learn lessons and grow in character by earnest prayer, by leaning on God and trusting Him to heal us. I know many people do live very great productive lives DESPITE awful afflictions. This we may certainly admire and take inspiration from. Certainly we don't learn anything useful during easy good times, adversity is often a time of learning true lessons.

But to call sickness an actual blessing is going too far in my view. Can and should anyone actually welcome illness? I am just not made of such stern stuff!

What evidence is in the Bible to say sickness is a blessing? Do you suffer long-standing illness and do you consider it a blessing?
Click to expand...
perhaps calling it a blessing may not be the right way of describing it nut do you call the man where the apostles asked Jesus what sin he commited to be struck with his illness? Jesus responded it wasn't because of his sins but for the glory of God to be known and he healed this man

Like you my health is not good and damaged eyes only get worse and worse and we may not be able to save them suffering pain anguash cancer I have known all this and much much more I always ask God how much more when can I rest but when I asked him why I had to go through all I did and why I still cannot get a break and he said simply for my glory
 
wolfwint

wolfwint

Senior Member
#23
Feb 15, 2014
3,778
943
113
62
#23
MaryM said:
I like the writing of the Rev J R Miller, he imparts much wisdom and clarifies Biblical questions.

However, today I read a section in which he maintains that sickness is a blessing for which we should always be grateful.

I am not sure at all about that! My health of late has not been good and I definitely DO NOT feel it is a blessing. I pray to Jesus for healing and strength and I always feel comfort is given. I want to be well and I believe Jesus heals, He spent His ministry on earth healing people. He wants us to have life abundantly - surely this does not mean suffering?

To me all sickness and disease is bad and frightening. Yes we learn lessons and grow in character by earnest prayer, by leaning on God and trusting Him to heal us. I know many people do live very great productive lives DESPITE awful afflictions. This we may certainly admire and take inspiration from. Certainly we don't learn anything useful during easy good times, adversity is often a time of learning true lessons.

But to call sickness an actual blessing is going too far in my view. Can and should anyone actually welcome illness? I am just not made of such stern stuff!

What evidence is in the Bible to say sickness is a blessing? Do you suffer long-standing illness and do you consider it a blessing?
Click to expand...
Well, I cant find in the bible that sickness is called a blessing. But, if someone turns to Christ, bacause of his sickness, I would call it a blessing. Better going sick into heaven, then healthy into hell.
 
Cameron143

Cameron143

Well-known member
#24
Mar 1, 2022
20,075
6,883
113
62
#24
I wonder what the Apostle Paul might think if he ever experienced a sickness?
 
cv5

cv5

Well-known member
#25
Nov 20, 2018
23,778
8,614
113
#25
MaryM said:
I like the writing of the Rev J R Miller, he imparts much wisdom and clarifies Biblical questions.

However, today I read a section in which he maintains that sickness is a blessing for which we should always be grateful.

I am not sure at all about that! My health of late has not been good and I definitely DO NOT feel it is a blessing. I pray to Jesus for healing and strength and I always feel comfort is given. I want to be well and I believe Jesus heals, He spent His ministry on earth healing people. He wants us to have life abundantly - surely this does not mean suffering?

To me all sickness and disease is bad and frightening. Yes we learn lessons and grow in character by earnest prayer, by leaning on God and trusting Him to heal us. I know many people do live very great productive lives DESPITE awful afflictions. This we may certainly admire and take inspiration from. Certainly we don't learn anything useful during easy good times, adversity is often a time of learning true lessons.

But to call sickness an actual blessing is going too far in my view. Can and should anyone actually welcome illness? I am just not made of such stern stuff!

What evidence is in the Bible to say sickness is a blessing? Do you suffer long-standing illness and do you consider it a blessing?
Click to expand...
Our present blessing is the gift of our faith and God-given perseverance thru trials.
See the beatitudes: the blessing comes when the trials END. In the regeneration. When the curse is lifted.
When Christians are released from this present state.

Job was vexed by Satan (not a blessing, suffering loss), THEN blessed by God afterward, renewing his family, name and wealth.

Mat 5:1
And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
Mat 5:2
And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
Mat 5:3
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 5:4
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Mat 5:5
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Mat 5:6
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Mat 5:7
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Mat 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Mat 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Mat 5:10
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Mat 5:11
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Mat 5:12
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
 
cv5

cv5

Well-known member
#26
Nov 20, 2018
23,778
8,614
113
#26
Cameron143 said:
I wonder what the Apostle Paul might think if he ever experienced a sickness?
Click to expand...
Paul never prayed to GET SICK. He was only recorded as praying to be healed. For himself and and others as well.
 
Artios1

Artios1

Born again to serve
#27
Dec 11, 2020
678
420
63
#27
Cameron143 said:
Can one experience life and in abundance and be sick at the same time?
Click to expand...

That would make abundance a subjective word … it’s not ….it is set in opposition to Jhn 10:10

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: …

The word abundant (perissos) at the end of Jhn 10:10 means …. over and above, “exceeding” …or exceedingly as used in Eph 3:20 …. and the genitive form may be interpreted as "extraordinarily".

The perception of this word is not through our eyes ….but Gods ….What is Gods definition of exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think….
 
Cameron143

Cameron143

Well-known member
#28
Mar 1, 2022
20,075
6,883
113
62
#28
cv5 said:
Paul never prayed to GET SICK. He was only recorded as praying to be healed. For himself and and others as well.
Click to expand...
As usual you begin with an assumption that I haven't made. The whole argument is over what constitutes a blessing. If something results in blessing, are the things that are involved in bringing the blessing part of the blessing or not?
I merely asked a question to provoke thought. I gave no answer so anything you think I might mean is assumed.
 
Cameron143

Cameron143

Well-known member
#29
Mar 1, 2022
20,075
6,883
113
62
#29
Artios1 said:
That would make abundance a subjective word … it’s not ….it is set in opposition to Jhn 10:10

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: …

The word abundant (perissos) at the end of Jhn 10:10 means …. over and above, “exceeding” …or exceedingly as used in Eph 3:20 …. and the genitive form may be interpreted as "extraordinarily".

The perception of this word is not through our eyes ….but Gods ….What is Gods definition of exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think….
Click to expand...
How does the Bible define life? John 17:3 says life is found in the experience and knowledge of God and Jesus. You are suggesting it is found in the quality of life. Quality of life is subjective.
Paul was content in any circumstance. He could experience God in much or little.
 
cv5

cv5

Well-known member
#30
Nov 20, 2018
23,778
8,614
113
#30
Cameron143 said:
The whole argument is over what constitutes a blessing. If something results in blessing, are the things that are involved in bringing the blessing part of the blessing or not?
Click to expand...
Was Jesus being blessed by God when He drank the cup of His wrath (meant for us) to the dregs?

Not so much IMO.
 
Cameron143

Cameron143

Well-known member
#31
Mar 1, 2022
20,075
6,883
113
62
#31
cv5 said:
Was Jesus being blessed by God when He drank the cup of His wrath (meant for us) to the dregs?

Not so much IMO.
Click to expand...
For the joy set before Him He endured the cross.
No hardship in the moment seems good in and of itself. The purpose of the difficulty is to bring a desired end that is good and that cannot come by any other means and that we ourselves cannot or will not do ourselves.
 
Nehemiah6

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
#32
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,778
113
#32
MaryM said:
However, today I read a section in which he maintains that sickness is a blessing for which we should always be grateful.
Click to expand...
No sickness is not a blessing. Therefore Christ healed the sick.
 
cv5

cv5

Well-known member
#33
Nov 20, 2018
23,778
8,614
113
#33
Cameron143 said:
Paul was content in any circumstance. He could experience God in much or little.
Click to expand...
Content in the knowledge of his promised resurrection to blessed abundant sinless eternal life. Paul had divinely inspired understanding of God-revealed blessed and eternal objectives and goals. Same goes for Abraham. Same goes for us.

2Co 12:4
How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter

Phl 3:11
If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Paul's suffering in the flesh, though regrettable, was due to his propensity to sin. No sin, no suffering.

2Co 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
2Co 12:8
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
2Co 12:9
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2Co 12:10
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
 
cv5

cv5

Well-known member
#35
Nov 20, 2018
23,778
8,614
113
#35
Cameron143 said:
For the joy set before Him He endured the cross.
No hardship in the moment seems good in and of itself. The purpose of the difficulty is to bring a desired end that is good and that cannot come by any other means and that we ourselves cannot or will not do ourselves.
Click to expand...
Agree. More or less.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.