Healthcare as Compassion

Healthcare as Compassion: Policy Through Jesus’ Lens

This page evaluates healthcare policy through the lens of Jesus’ teachings, particularly Matthew 25’s call to care for the sick. Healthcare is not just a policy issue—it’s a matter of compassion and justice.

“I was sick, and you visited me… Most certainly I tell you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” - Matthew 25:36, 40

Scripture Foundation

Key Passages:

Why Healthcare Policy Matters

Jesus identified with the sick. How we care for the sick is how we care for Jesus. Healthcare policy affects millions of people, especially the poor and marginalized. We must evaluate healthcare policy through Jesus’ lens.

Key Principles

Healthcare as a Right, Not a Privilege

What Jesus Teaches:

  • Jesus identified with the sick
  • Caring for the sick is caring for Jesus
  • Healthcare is a matter of compassion and justice

Policy Implications:

  • Healthcare should be accessible to all
  • Cost should not be a barrier
  • Quality should not depend on ability to pay

Action Steps:

  • Support policies that provide healthcare access for all
  • Advocate for policies that reduce barriers
  • Work for healthcare systems that serve all

See Also: Serve the Poor, Action

Serving the Least of These

What Jesus Teaches:

  • The sick are among “the least of these”
  • We are called to serve them
  • Policy should prioritize the marginalized

Policy Implications:

  • Policies should prioritize the poor and marginalized
  • Healthcare systems should serve those most in need
  • Barriers should be removed for vulnerable populations

Action Steps:

  • Support policies that prioritize the marginalized
  • Advocate for healthcare access for vulnerable populations
  • Work for systems that serve the least of these

See Also: Matthew 25, Serve the Poor

Prevention and Care

What Jesus Teaches:

  • We are called to care for the sick
  • Prevention is part of care
  • Holistic care matters

Policy Implications:

  • Policies should support prevention
  • Care should be comprehensive
  • Mental health and physical health both matter

Action Steps:

  • Support prevention policies
  • Advocate for comprehensive care
  • Work for holistic healthcare systems

Policy Recommendations

Universal Access

Recommendation:

  • Healthcare should be accessible to all
  • Cost should not be a barrier
  • Quality should be consistent

Why:

  • Jesus identified with the sick
  • Healthcare is a matter of compassion
  • Access is a justice issue

Action:

  • Support policies that provide universal access
  • Advocate for systems that remove barriers
  • Work for quality healthcare for all

Prioritizing the Marginalized

Recommendation:

  • Policies should prioritize the poor and marginalized
  • Vulnerable populations should be served first
  • Barriers should be removed

Why:

  • Jesus called us to serve the least of these
  • The marginalized are most in need
  • Justice requires prioritizing the vulnerable

Action:

  • Support policies that prioritize the marginalized
  • Advocate for vulnerable populations
  • Work for systems that serve those most in need

Prevention and Public Health

Recommendation:

  • Policies should support prevention
  • Public health should be prioritized
  • Holistic care should be supported

Why:

  • Prevention is part of care
  • Public health serves communities
  • Holistic care aligns with Jesus’ teachings

Action:

  • Support prevention policies
  • Advocate for public health
  • Work for holistic healthcare systems

How to Advocate

Research the Issues

  • Understand current healthcare policy
  • Learn about barriers to access
  • Identify policy solutions
  • Connect policies to Jesus’ teachings

Build Support

  • Find others who care
  • Build coalitions
  • Share the vision
  • Organize advocacy

Engage Decision Makers

  • Contact representatives
  • Attend meetings
  • Write letters
  • Organize advocacy

Sustain and Grow

  • Build relationships
  • Stay engaged
  • Expand support
  • Work for change

See Also: Political Engagement, Action

Connection to Action

Healthcare policy connects to action:

See Also: Action

See Also

Categories:
Policy