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Does God Punish with Sickness? Understanding His True Nature

Writer's picture: Dr DagbueDr Dagbue

Silhouette of a person praying, set against a blue and white background. Text reads, "Finding Hope in Illness: Strength through faith."

Welcome to another episode of the Health for the Spirit, Soul, and Body Blog from Doxa Missions. Today, we’re addressing an important and often misunderstood question: Does God punish with sickness?

This belief has caused fear and confusion for many believers. Some assume that illness or hardship is God’s way of disciplining or punishing them for sin. While this concept may seem plausible on the surface, it completely contradicts the loving and merciful nature of God as revealed in Scripture.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what the Bible teaches about sickness, God’s role in our healing, and how to reject the damaging idea that God uses illness to punish His children. By understanding His unchanging character and the finished work of Jesus Christ, we can embrace the abundant life He offers us.


Does God Punish with Sickness?

The short and biblical answer is no, God does not punish His children with sickness. Unfortunately, many people attribute suffering, illness, or misfortune to God. They see these difficulties as His judgment for wrongdoing. This belief is not only unbiblical but also distorts the character of God and keeps people from experiencing His love, mercy, and healing.

In John 10:10, Jesus clearly reveals the difference between God’s will and Satan’s work:“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (KJV).

This verse is critical in understanding that sickness, destruction, and death are not from God but from the enemy. Jesus came to give us abundant life—a life full of health, peace, and wholeness. God’s purpose has never been to harm us but to bless us and draw us closer to Him.

Furthermore, God’s Word declares: “For I am the LORD, I change not” (Malachi 3:6, KJV). He is consistently good, and His actions are always rooted in love. Hebrews 13:8 reinforces this truth: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever” (KJV). If Jesus healed the sick, cast out demons, and restored lives during His earthly ministry, He still does the same today. God’s character and purpose are unchanging.


Misunderstanding God’s Nature

The idea that God uses sickness to punish people often stems from a misunderstanding of His nature. As believers, we must recognize that God is holy, just, and righteous, but He is also love. 1 John 4:8 tells us: “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love” (KJV). Love is the essence of who He is and what He does.

Discipline from God does exist, but it is never destructive. Hebrews 12:6 reminds us: “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth” (KJV). However, this discipline is meant to correct and guide, not to harm or destroy. God’s discipline is like a loving parent correcting a child—it is for our benefit and growth, not for punishment or suffering.

If sickness were God’s way of punishing us, it would contradict the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus bore our sins and our sicknesses so that we could live in freedom and healing. Isaiah 53:5 declares: “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (KJV).


My Personal Experience

As a young medical student, I once fell into this very trap of thinking. During a season when I was running from God, I became ill. In my mind, I assumed the illness was God’s punishment for my disobedience. I believed that because I had not been walking closely with Him, He had allowed sickness to teach me a lesson.

Looking back, I now see how wrong this thinking was. That illness didn’t come from God but from natural causes and perhaps my own negligence. However, because I believed God was behind it, I didn’t pray for healing or turn to Him in faith. Instead, I struggled with guilt, fear, and hopelessness.

This is the dangerous consequence of believing that sickness is God’s punishment. It creates a barrier between us and Him, leaving us feeling condemned and powerless. I didn’t realize at the time that God is the source of healing, not sickness. If I had known the principles I now understand, I would have boldly approached Him in prayer, trusting in His love and power to heal.


Sickness Is Part of the Curse, Not God’s Will

To understand sickness in light of God’s Word, we must go back to the beginning. When God created the world, everything was good (Genesis 1:31). There was no sickness, suffering, or death. These entered the world as a result of sin when Adam and Eve disobeyed God.

In Deuteronomy 28, we see a clear distinction between blessings and curses under the Old Covenant. Obedience brought blessings, including health and prosperity, while disobedience brought curses, including sickness and suffering (Deuteronomy 28:15-68).

However, as New Testament believers, we are no longer under the curse of the law. Galatians 3:13 proclaims:“Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree” (KJV).

Jesus took the curse upon Himself so that we could walk in freedom, health, and blessing. Sickness is not God’s will for His children—it is part of the curse, and Christ has already redeemed us from it.


Healing Is the Children’s Bread

When we look at Jesus’ earthly ministry, we see that healing was a central part of His work. He healed all who came to Him in faith, demonstrating God’s will for His people. Matthew 15:26 provides a profound statement about healing:“It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs” (KJV).

In this verse, Jesus refers to healing as the “children’s bread.” Just as bread is a staple in many homes, healing is a fundamental part of our inheritance as God’s children. It is not a luxury or an occasional blessing—it is readily available to all who belong to Him.

God does not withhold healing or bring sickness upon His children. On the contrary, He delights in restoring us to health and wholeness. Psalm 103:2-3 declares:“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases” (KJV).


Changing Your Mindset

If you have believed that God punishes with sickness, it’s time to renew your mind with the truth of His Word. Romans 12:2 encourages us:“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (KJV).

God’s will is good, acceptable, and perfect. He desires for His children to live in health and abundance, not in fear or sickness. Reject the lie that illness is God’s punishment and embrace the truth of His love and provision.

When sickness comes, stand in faith and declare God’s promises. Remember that healing is part of your inheritance as His child. James 5:14-15 gives us clear instructions:“Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up” (KJV).


Conclusion: God Is for You

God does not punish His children with sickness. This belief is not only unbiblical but also harmful, as it distorts God’s character and keeps us from trusting Him for healing. Sickness is part of the curse, but Jesus Christ has redeemed us from it. Healing is our portion, our inheritance, and the “children’s bread.”

If you’ve struggled with this mindset, I encourage you to turn to God and renew your mind with the truth of His Word. Trust Him for your healing and remember that He is a loving Father who desires only good things for His children.

What are your thoughts on this topic? Have you experienced God’s healing or overcome misconceptions about His character? Share your comments or testimonies below—we’d love to hear from you!

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