Should Christians Go to the Doctor?

what does the bible say?

Doctors are a regular part of our modern lives. They treat us when we are sick and help us to stay healthy. The Bible mentions physicians about a dozen times (Genesis 50:2; Jeremiah 8:22; Matthew 9:12). None of them, when interpreted correctly, say anything negative about a Christian going to the doctor. Multiple people throughout the Bible consult doctors. Luke himself, the author of the books of Luke and Acts in the New Testament was a medical doctor. At the same time, doctors should not be placed above God. The New Testament shares the story of a woman who had suffered from a bleeding condition for many years and had consulted numerous doctors; however, Jesus was the only one who was able to heal her (Luke 8:43-44). No matter how good of a doctor we are seeing, our ultimate trust must remain in God. Second Chronicles 16:12 implicitly criticizes King Asa for relying on man rather than God in both political dealings and in his sickness. Although modern medicine is readily available to us and may be the way God can use to heal us, we can still approach God Himself for help in any physical ailment we face. God may choose to heal us, either on His own or through doctors, or He may not, but the Bible reminds us that God always acts out of love toward us and knows what is best even if healing does not come this side of eternity.

from the old testament

2 Chronicles 16:12: This account of King Asa reminds us that while it is fine to consult doctors, our ultimate source of guidance is God.Isaiah 55:8-9: God’s ways and thoughts are higher than and beyond ours. Sometimes healing does not come, but we can trust that God’s ways and purposes are best.Jeremiah 8:22: The presence of physicians can be a positive part of helping restore a person’s health.Ezekial 47:12: Certain plants are used to help heal wounds and illnesses, possibly at the hand of a doctor.

from the new testament

Matthew 9:12: Jesus says that the healthy do not need a doctor, but the sick do.Mark 5:25-30: Although she appropriately consulted many doctors, the woman suffering from a bleeding condition did not find relief until she was healed by Jesus.Luke 10:34: While not a physician, the Good Samaritan medically treats the wounds and injuries of the man he finds hurt on the side of the road.Colossians 4:14: Paul refers to Luke, the author of Luke and Acts as “the beloved physician.”1 Timothy 5:23: Paul gives Timothy tangible medical advice for a physical ailment Timothy was facing.James 1:15 indicates that we can ask God for wisdom about any situation we face, which includes medical decisions.

implications for today

There is nothing wrong with a Christian consulting a doctor. Good doctors can help treat our illnesses and teach us how to live healthier lives. God created us to be intelligent and curious people, and medical advancements are part of that. While it is not wrong for Christians to go to the doctor, we shouldn’t place doctors higher than God or to trust in their abilities above God’s sovereign care. Our ultimate trust is not in people, but in God. God is the one who truly heals us and the one we should turn to in every circumstance, including health issues. Sometimes that means that healing will not come this side of eternity. While medical doctors are great at what they do, they do not know everything, and sometimes the solution to our health needs is not easy. Sickness and disease are a result of the fall, which was not how God originally created the world. However, He is sovereign over it all and uses all things, even sickness and illness, for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28). It is sometimes hard to trust when we face prolonged sickness or unanswered prayers for healing, but our faith calls us to rely on God’s greater plan and wisdom. Trusting in God does not mean neglecting medical care but recognizing that every good gift, including skilled doctors and treatments, comes from Him (James 1:17). When healing does not occur as we hope, we can rest in the truth that God’s grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). By turning to God in prayer, seeking His guidance, and embracing His peace, we can navigate health challenges with hope and faith, knowing He holds us in His hands. Whether through a doctor’s care or His direct intervention, our ultimate healing and restoration come from Him.