“She has done what she could.”
Mark 14:8 (NLT)
By Brenda Thomas Jessee, DNP, FNP-BC, CDE, BC-ADM • Assistant Professor for Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia
Recognizing the threat of the COVID-19 virus with a shortage of nurses and providers and personal protective equipment, it is natural to be fearful. We read in Scripture that certainly, “…God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7, NLT). As believers, we are to be wise: Wash our hands and wear a mask when indicated. But greater than all that, may we remember that as Christians, we are to be like Christ and exemplify His love in each patient encounter.
Hearing the Word
1. Read Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT): “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Now read it out loud and personalize it by changing the you to me. “I do not need to be afraid or discouraged. The Lord himself will personally go ahead of me. He will be with me; he will neither fail nor abandon me.” He knows our patients’ needs before we do. He’s already been there. He will show us what they need and how to share His love with each patient.
2. How does it make you feel to acknowledge that Christ entered the room before you did?
3. Read Luke 10:25-29 (NLT).
One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”
Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”
The man answered, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
“Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”
The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Continue reading the Parable of the Good Samaritan (verses 30-37). How would you answer the question, “Who is my neighbor?”
4. Paul, in his book to the Colossians, encourages each of us to “clothe yourselves with love” (Colossians 3:14). What are some ways we can show the love of Christ to patients and families?
Responding to the Word
In Matthew 25, Jesus shares a parable where the King will say, “I was sick and you cared for me” (Matthew 25:36, NLT).
Some patients are easier to care for than others. We have the love of Christ ready to share with each patient. As a nurse, what does this love look like, and what are ways we can share it with patients?
We read about a woman who bathed Jesus’ feet with a very expensive perfume (Mark 14:3 – 9). What is one way we can do all we can to care for a patient who is alone? How can we also show love to a patient’s family?
We have a gift of love to share in this lonely, isolated, and hurting world. Pray and ask the Lord to show you how to share the love of Christ with your patients and their families.
Reflect again on Mark 14:8. Ask: Could someone say about me that I had done what I could? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any moments or times when you’ve not done what you could or when you’ve taken on doing more than you could. Confess these moments or mindsets knowing that you are forgiven. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with the love of Jesus Christ in all you do.
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Brenda Thomas Jessee, DNP, FNP-BC, CDE, BC-ADM • Assistant Professor for Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia
Dr. Jessee works full time as a nurse practitioner in endocrinology and internal medicine. She is also a pastor’s wife of a large multi-site church, the mother of five children, and loves teaching.
Making a difference for the kingdom has been a high priority for Dr. Jessee. She sees nursing as a profession that offers “a wide-open door” to serve our Lord and King (I Corinthians 16:9, NLT). Her goal in life is to love the Lord, and to serve where He leads.
Nurses Christian Fellowship is grateful to Dr. Jessee for her work and passion for the Word and for nursing.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
