Counsels on Social Issues

Counsel #10 — Diseases

Picture: Counsel #10 — Diseases CSI 138.1

Diseases such as HIV/AIDS, leprosy, or mental illness continue to be major health challenges in many parts of the world. These diseases can be expensive to treat, and lead to stigmatization, shame, and isolation. This further limits access to health care, as some may fear being judged or discriminated against. This is especially true for people who are already marginalized, such as those from minority groups or those with low incomes. CSI 138.2

Additionally, stigmas associated with certain diseases make people more likely to experience mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. CSI 138.3

“Jesus put out His hand and touched [a leper].” Matthew 8:3 NKJV CSI 138.4

“The poor are to be relieved, the sick cared for, the sorrowing and the bereaved comforted, the ignorant instructed, the inexperienced counseled. We are to weep with those that weep, and rejoice with those that rejoice…. We should ever remember that the object of medical missionary work is to point sin-sick men and women to the Man of Calvary, who taketh away the sin of the world.” Ellen White in The Ministry of Healing, pp. 143, 144 CSI 138.5

Reflect: What does Jesus’ example in touching the leper teach us about how we should relate to those with diseases associated with society’s stigma?^[191] CSI 138.6