God never promised us a life without troubles, but He did promise His grace to sustain us through every trial. However, many believers mistakenly assume that sickness is a sign of spiritual darkness or evidence that God is no longer with them. Their reasoning is that if we truly belong to God and He dwells in us, we should not experience suffering, especially not illness.
Biblically, sickness is often associated with the presence of sin, but this doesn’t mean that God hates those who are sick or suffering. On the contrary, Scripture clearly affirms that God loves sinners—that’s why He gave His only Son, Jesus, to save them from sin. God’s love doesn’t imply that He condones sin; rather, His love is demonstrated in His desire to free us from it.
This leads to an important question: Is living a sin-free life the same as living a sickness-free life? Not necessarily. When people witness others enduring chronic or terminal illnesses, they sometimes perceive themselves as more righteous or spiritually superior. But instead of assuming they are better believers, they should humbly recognise that they are simply recipients of God’s sustaining grace. Suffering doesn’t always reflect spiritual failure—sometimes it reveals how powerfully God’s grace rests upon the afflicted.
A Born-Blind Person Is Not A Sinner
When Jesus was asked about a man who was born blind, many assumed his condition was the result of sin, either his own or his parents’. But Jesus responded:
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” — John 9:3 (NIV)
Even though Jesus demonstrated the power of God by restoring sight to the man, the Pharisees and Sadducees still accused him of being a sinner because of his past blindness. They could not accept that someone once afflicted could now be whole, and instead of acknowledging the miracle, they held on to the belief that sickness was always tied to sin. Because they themselves had no such affliction, they considered themselves righteous, assuming that physical health was evidence of spiritual standing. This judgmental mindset remains prevalent even today within the churches.
As a result, those who suffer, especially from chronic illness, may begin to view themselves as condemned or unworthy, which can rob them of hope for healing. Similarly, when Lazarus became sick and eventually died, Jesus allowed the situation to unfold to reveal the glory of God. His body lay in the grave for four days. Yet when Jesus raised him from the dead, He did not say Lazarus was healed because his sins were forgiven. Instead, Jesus had already told His disciples:
“This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” — John 11:4 (NIV)
This reminds us that while sickness can be a consequence of living in a fallen, sin-affected world, it is not always a direct result of personal sin. God may permit illness for reasons beyond human understanding—to glorify His name, to strengthen faith, or to display His power.
Sickness is also a natural consequence of our physical limitations, caused by nutritional deficiencies, environmental factors, or unhygienic conditions. In the early days of evangelism, many missionaries gave their lives in service, contracting diseases or even becoming lepers as they lived among the people they sought to reach. Their suffering was not a sign that God had abandoned them, but a testament to the depth of their love and commitment to the Gospel. Their sacrifices glorified God, not because they were without hardship, but because they endured it in faith.
The Plight Of Some Sick People
Many people, unaware of the abundant grace that is sustaining them during their sickness, fall into spiritual darkness by believing the lies of the devil. The enemy often uses others to sow fear in their hearts through various deceptions. One common lie is that someone in their household is serving God and casting out demons, and as a result, the devil is retaliating by attacking them. Misled by such beliefs, the sick often cling to fear and confusion, unable to break free, even though they are familiar with the truth of Scripture. Despite knowing verses like the one below, they trust more in medical diagnoses and frightening reports than in God’s promises:
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” — 1 John 4:4 (NIV)
Another tactic the devil uses is convincing the sick that someone has performed witchcraft on them, causing their illness. Even though they may know this verse, they fail to rest in its truth because their minds have been conditioned to fear spiritual attacks more than they trust in God’s protection:
“There is no divination against Jacob, no evil omens against Israel. It will now be said of Jacob and of Israel, ‘See what God has done!’” — Numbers 23:23 (NIV)
Perhaps the most destructive lie is when the devil convinces them that their suffering is a direct punishment for being a terrible sinner. These individuals are spiritually vulnerable, not because God has abandoned them, but because they have not developed a personal relationship with their Heavenly Father. Instead of drawing close to Him, they settle for passive religious routines—listening to worship songs and sermons to soothe their conscience. Though they read the Bible regularly, it is often done out of obligation, not a desire to hear from God. As a result, they fail to experience the peace and intimacy the Word is meant to bring.
In the end, it is not a lack of knowledge but a lack of relationship that keeps them in bondage. Some self-proclaimed ministers of God further cloud their understanding by placing themselves between the people and God, misleading them and preventing true spiritual growth.
Judging God And The Pleading Advocate
God continually asks us, “What more can I do for you?”—having already given us the greatest gift: His own Son. Paul boldly reminds believers of this incredible truth to strengthen their faith:
“He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” — Romans 8:32 (NIV)
Despite this unmatched grace, many believers still fail to trust fully in God. They attend church each Sunday not to offer thanks for what He has already done, but to ask for more. Even without understanding true worship, they often see themselves as righteous and judge those who are sick or suffering, considering them sinners simply because they are unable to attend church.
Jesus directly challenges this attitude, warning that those who assume they are righteous may be in greater danger of perishing. In contrast, those who suffer may earnestly seek God and find salvation. Jesus says:
“Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” — Luke 13:4-5 (NIV)
But what must they repent of? They need to turn from their self-righteous mindset and acknowledge that their righteousness comes only through Christ, not by their actions or religious routines. At the same time, Jesus extends grace to those who are lost in self-pity and despair. God is granting a grace period for both groups—the proud and the broken—so that they may come to repentance.
Jesus illustrates this truth in the parable of the fig tree (Luke 13:6-8). The owner wanted to cut down the unfruitful tree, but the caretaker (symbolising Christ) interceded, asking for more time to tend and fertilise it. This shows that both the suffering (often viewed as sinners) and the healthy (who may rely on their own righteousness) are failing to bear spiritual fruit. Yet Jesus, our advocate, pleads on our behalf, desiring that we be nourished by His Word and cultivated in His love, so that we may finally bear fruit for God.
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” — 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
The Jordan Valley 
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