The Bible delineates two distinct eras and cultures—the Old Testament and the New Testament—each characterized by differing mindsets and approaches to life. The Old Testament can be viewed as a period defined by stringent laws and retribution, while the New Testament emerges as a more compassionate reinterpretation of those laws, with Christ embodying a gentler approach and introducing a new language of love to supplant the old ways. The old laws have given way to a new dawn of understanding.
For example, the Old Testament advocates the principle of “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” In contrast, the New Testament presents a radical teaching where Christ advises that if someone strikes you on one cheek, you should offer them the other, and if someone urges you to walk one mile, you should walk two. Through these teachings, Christ offers a profoundly different perspective, not only revising the laws but also transforming how individuals perceive diseases and suffering.
In the Old Testament, disease was frequently regarded as a punishment—divine retribution for sin. We encounter a God who administers punishments in accordance with the nature of the transgressions. Adam faces a life of labor for sustenance, Eve is condemned to endure pain in childbirth, and Cain is marked to wander, burdened by his crime. In Deuteronomy 28:20-22, the curses include famine, pestilence, fever, and drought, where the Lord promises to afflict those who disobey. The Bible recounts instances of plagues and pestilence wreaking havoc among the people, often interpreted as signs of God’s wrath. However, with the arrival of Christ, disease is no longer viewed as an indication of divine displeasure but becomes a channel through which believers can experience divine power, witness God’s glory, and live in faith. This transformative approach is evident in Christ healing lepers, restoring sight to the blind, and performing miracles for countless individuals. His perspective gently rectified the traditional understanding that linked disease directly to sin.
In the Gospel of John (9:2-3), the disciples inquire of Jesus, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus responds, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” This exchange encapsulates the essence of Christ’s teaching: every illness and recovery represents an opportunity to acknowledge God’s grace and power.
Yet, it is crucial to consider another perspective. In 1 Corinthians 11:30, the Apostle Paul states, “That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.” This verse addresses the consequences of receiving the Lord’s Supper unworthily, interpreted as sinning against the body and blood of Christ. In this context, sickness is tied to spiritual negligence, emphasizing that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Sins against the body can manifest as illness or suffering.
While diseases may stem from our own actions or the actions of others, it is misguided to interpret all illness solely through a punitive lens. Here, the importance of maintaining a spiritual perspective on sickness becomes evident.
Some individuals take pride in their health and beauty, yet every disease serves as a reminder that not everything is under our control. Illness teaches us to recognize the fragility of life, the temporality of health and beauty, and our vulnerability to change. As the Bible states, “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees” (Psalm 119:71). Each illness imparts lessons in humility and nudges us towards a deeper understanding of life’s fleeting nature and our dependence on God.
Viewing disease in this light encourages us to treat others with compassion and empathy. As Bobyachan beautifully articulates, a sickbed transforms into a space of prayer and humility when approached with love. Without this perspective, we risk becoming individuals who reject God’s grace and demonstrate intolerance towards those who suffer.
To prevent further harm, we must endeavor to avoid sin. Nevertheless, we must also liberate ourselves from the harsh belief that every illness is directly caused by sin. We should not emulate Job’s friends, who compounded his suffering by blaming him for his afflictions. Today, when we treat the sick with disdain or judge them based on their conditions, we must reflect on one key question: “Are we certain that we won’t find ourselves in the same situation tomorrow?”
Let us remember that how we treat those who suffer today will influence how we, too, are treated in the future.
Vinayak Nirmal
