Vietnam Evangelical Covenant Church – Often people who are ill don’t expect you to solve their problem; they just want you there beside them, as a friend who prays for them. The fact that there is nothing we can do about cancer itself does not mean there is nothing we can do. Here are five Bible verses you can share with people facing cancer.
A cancer diagnosis can turn a whole family upside down in a single afternoon. In those days, God’s Word is where patients and their loved ones find strength and peace. These Bible verses for cancer patients are quoted from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB).
5 Bible Verses for Those Facing Cancer
1. Psalm 41:2
“The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will be blessed in the land. You will not surrender him to the will of his foes.”
– Psalm 41:2 (BSB)
The psalmist knew that only God gives life and preserves it, even on a sickbed or when someone we know is dying. God has appointed the day of death for each of us (Hebrews 9:27), and for most of us no one knows when that day will come, so we must trust in the power of God, the only One who knows the future.
2. Romans 8:28
“And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.”
– Romans 8:28 (BSB)
Paul wrote this to Christians in Rome, many of whom had lost everything, and some their lives. So Paul reminds them (and us) that whatever happens, good or bad, we can trust it will be worked for our good… not even cancer can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:39).
3. Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”
– Revelation 21:4 (BSB)
In the future, we who put our faith in Christ can be sure that one day this sinful world and all the suffering that comes with it will be gone forever. On the day Jesus establishes God’s kingdom fully, all pain, suffering, sorrow, mourning and even death will be things of the past. Jesus has conquered death so that we may rise with Him.
4. Psalm 116:15
“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.”
– Psalm 116:15 (BSB)
God looks on the death of His beloved saints much as He looks on us. Their lives are precious to Him, just as ours are; but it is not goodbye, only “see you later,” because the Lord is the God of the living, not of the dead (Mark 12:27).
5. Psalm 41:3
“The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness.”
– Psalm 41:3 (BSB)
God promises to sustain those on a sickbed, but this is not a promise that He will heal everyone who is ill or dying. Sometimes we stubbornly hold on to family and friends who may die of cancer. For us it feels like the end, but for them it is only the beginning of eternal joy in God’s presence, and we who are saved will see them again.
Conclusion
Sometimes we can say nothing except that we are sorry for what they are going through. That is okay, because simply being with them shows that you care. They don’t expect you to solve their problem… like cancer… they just want you there beside them, as a friend who prays for them. The fact that there is nothing we can do about cancer itself does not mean there is nothing we can do.
Walking With Someone Fighting Cancer
We believe God can still heal according to His sovereign will, and we are invited to pray for the sick in faith. At the same time, Scripture teaches that whatever the outcome, God is with us, and nothing can separate us from His love in Christ.
People undergoing cancer treatment usually don’t need many explanations. They need someone beside them: a meal brought over, a ride to the hospital, a message saying you are praying. Those small things are how we show God’s love concretely.
If you yourself are in treatment, allow yourself to be weak before God. Read these verses slowly, one each day, and let your family and church share the load with you. You do not have to walk alone.
You may also like: 3 Truths to Remember in the Storms of Life and 5 Powerful Prayers From Scripture.
Prayer
Lord, we lift up to You our brothers and sisters fighting cancer. Give strength to their bodies, peace to their hearts and wisdom to their doctors. Heal according to Your good will, and let everyone in their families sense that You are near. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Article: Thoa Trần
Adapted from: FaithInTheNews.com
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