Parenting

Teach Your Kids How to Think about Sickness

by John Dalrymple

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young child looking sick and holding a stuffed animal

How could we be sick yet again?!

It seems like we’re sick all the time but I suppose it should come as no surprise considering the fact that:

  • Children can get sick anywhere from 6-10 times a year
  • Sicknesses often last 7-10 days
  • Children in the home don’t all get sick at once
  • We have 6 children under 10 years old

That’s a recipe for lots of sickness—even with a healthy diet, supplements, and lots of exercise. Sickness is inevitable, but how do we respond to it and teach our kids as they experience it?

Sickness should make us angry

It is frustrating to be sick and to miss out on activities and opportunities. As a parent, I think it’s especially hard to see infants and toddlers sick with fevers or persistent coughing—feeling miserable but crying and unable to understand what’s going on.

It’s right to be angry at sickness because it is a result of the curse on creation since man’s sin in the Garden of Eden (Rom 8:20-22). Sickness is a reminder of the pain and suffering which finds its origins in mankind’s rebellion against God.

In Mark 1 when Jesus is approached by a leper who is suffering and desperate for healing, the writer says that “Jesus was indignant.” Jesus showed mercy to the man but was angry towards the effects of sin–perhaps in the same way he was angry when he approached Lazarus’ tomb (John 11:38). Sickness should make us angry because it reminds us of the curse and mankind’s sin. But it shouldn’t leave us there.

Sickness points us to the gospel

Jesus wasn’t just angered by the effects of sin; He dealt with them on the cross. He cut sickness off at the root. He guaranteed both physical and spiritual healing through His death and resurrection.

“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:4–5) 1

When our children get sick and we are wiping snotty noses or cleaning throw up off the floor in the middle of the night, we can remind ourselves (and our kids) that there is good news in Jesus’ death and resurrection. The curse is broken…sickness and death will not have the last word.

Sickness will one day be eradicated

In Rev 21, the Apostle John sees the New Jerusalem and a loud voice from the throne says,

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new…” (Revelation 21:4–5)

As you wipe away your child’s tears, as you struggle with pain from fever or chronic illness, remind yourself that, “he will wipe away every tear…pain shall be no more…” Sickness will one day be eradicated.

Sickness will always be accompanied by God’s sufficient grace

When the Apostle Paul was faced with affliction and suffering, Jesus spoke these comforting words to him:

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” [so Paul could confidently respond] Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

How could Paul go on to say, “When I am weak, then I am strong.”? Because of the power of Christ and God’s sufficient grace! As you and your children experience weakness in your sickness, pray for God’s grace and cling to His strength.

Conclusion

If you have multiple young kids, you’re probably in (or about to be in) a season of sickness. As we care for our kids, let’s also take the opportunity to explain to them the source of sickness, the good news about Jesus’ deliverance, our future hope, and God’s sufficient grace.

Footnotes

  1. This Messianic prophecy is often used to support the Prosperity Gospel, which promises physical health in this life to all of God’s people. Although Isaiah 53:4-5 certainly points to Jesus’ healing ministry (see Matthew 8:16-17), Scripture teaches that ultimate physical healing for God’s people awaits the resurrection (Philippians 3:20-21).

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