The Christian duty to visit and care for the afflicted is deeply rooted in the teachings of Scripture, reflecting God's compassion and mercy toward those who suffer. This duty is not merely a suggestion but a command that underscores the essence of Christian love and service.

Biblical Foundation

The call to visit and care for the afflicted is evident throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, the people of Israel were instructed to care for the vulnerable, including widows, orphans, and strangers. This principle is encapsulated in passages such as Isaiah 1:17, which urges, "Learn to do right; seek justice and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow."

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies and commands this duty. In Matthew 25:36, Jesus identifies Himself with the afflicted, saying, "I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me." This passage highlights the profound truth that serving the afflicted is akin to serving Christ Himself.

Practical Application

The Epistle of James further emphasizes the importance of visiting and caring for those in distress. James 1:27 states, "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." This verse underscores that true religion is not only about personal piety but also about active compassion and service to those in need.

The Apostle Paul also encourages believers to bear one another's burdens, as seen in Galatians 6:2: "Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Visiting the afflicted is a tangible way to fulfill this command, offering comfort, support, and practical assistance.

Examples from Early Church

The early Christian community took this duty seriously, as evidenced by their actions recorded in the Book of Acts. Acts 6:1-7 describes how the early church appointed deacons to ensure that the needs of widows were met, demonstrating an organized and compassionate response to affliction within the community.

Theological Implications

Visiting the afflicted is a reflection of God's character and His kingdom values. It is an expression of agape love, the selfless, sacrificial love that seeks the well-being of others. This duty challenges believers to move beyond mere sympathy to active engagement, embodying the love of Christ in tangible ways.

Conclusion

The duty to visit the afflicted is a vital aspect of Christian discipleship, rooted in the teachings of Scripture and exemplified by Jesus Christ. It calls believers to be the hands and feet of Christ, bringing hope and healing to a hurting world.James 1:27
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

On visiting the Sick
... not excuse you: His going would not fulfil your duty. ... of spirit, in sympathy with
the afflicted, which you ... you may press upon him "repentance toward God, and ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 98 on visiting the.htm

Caring for My Aged Mother
... then to care for her, I took that duty upon myself. ... of the aged brothers in the home
was greatly afflicted. ... to me that I had done nothing toward the brother's ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xxii caring for my.htm

On Pleasing all Men
... our utmost diligence, be the event as it may, we fulfill our duty. ... 4. And while you
are pitiful to the afflicted, see that you are courteous toward all men ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 100 on pleasing all.htm

The Glorious Habitation
... Have you a love toward the saints? ... and you are neglecting what you know to be your
duty. ... through the shades of hell, tormented, destitute, afflicted, and that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the glorious habitation.htm

Acts XX
... our flesh had no rest, but we were afflicted on every ... reject Christ, might be induced
to repent toward God before ... and to the discharge of their duty, even if ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xx.htm

Answers to Prayer
... givers,' was urged to bestow five dollars toward the 'Fresh ... was once in great trouble
to know what was duty. ... better things in store for that afflicted family. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/answers to prayer.htm

His Writings and his Character
... and ethics, and it is the duty of the ... was excessively fragile and chronically afflicted
with shattering ... He compares his tenderness toward his converts to that ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter vii his writings and.htm

A Consecrated Ministry
... strengthen and fortify him for duty and trial ... repentance toward God, and faith toward
our Lord ... comforting the mourners, soothing the afflicted, speaking peace ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 34 a consecrated ministry.htm

Saint Helena and the Time of Constantine
... Salona, and to close the eyes of her afflicted father ... no cause to complain of any
lack of duty on his ... the same aversion that the latter manifested toward Crispus ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/iv saint helena and the.htm

"Lazarus, Come Forth"
... a comfort His presence would be to the afflicted household ... gives him a clear perception
of his duty, and leads ... Him." He knew the hatred of the Jews toward Christ ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 58 lazarus come forth.htm

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Afflicted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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