Obamacare is a hot topic in Washington right now. Are there biblical guidelines that we can turn to to help us think through the political issue?
As lawmakers in Washington grapple with a replacement for the affordable care act, many Christians are wondering its if there are biblical principles involved in the topic of health care.
Jim Denison, writing on crosswalk.com says there are three biblical priorities that should be part of the health care debate.
First, God values our health. Denison writes, “God made us in his image and has made our bodies the temple of his Spirit. Jesus healed “every disease and every affliction among the people.” Medical care, when practiced within biblical guidelines, is an extension of Jesus’ healing ministry today. Efforts to provide medical care to all Americans are biblical.
Second, We must care for the poor. Galatians tells us — “Each will have to bear his own load.” But God also told us how to treat our “poor brother”: “You shall open your hand to him and lend him sufficient for his need.”
And finally, What is good for one of us is good for all of us. Describing Christians as the “body of Christ,” Paul noted: “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together”
Ethicist Bruce Jennings says “No individual, no matter how wealthy or powerful, can really be free except in a context of social justice and the common good.”
Denison concludes his thoughts on healthcare with a prayer from John, “That all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”