God is also a nurse…
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From Luke’s Journal March 2026 | Vol. 31 No. 1 | God at the Bedside
The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health. Psalm 41:3 (NLT)
Christian nurses, along with Christian healthcare workers 1 in general, have the honour and privilege of caring for those God cares about greatly.
Genesis 1:26-27 reveals that humans were created in the image of God. But the wonder of each human life does not end there. Consider these words from Psalm 139:13-14 NLT regarding the bringing forth of human life: “You made all the delicate inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex. Your workmanship is marvellous – how well I know it.”
While our focus can be on caring for the physical body, Christians recognise that people consist of “…spirit and soul and body…” (1 Thessalonians 5:23 NLT) and that God “…has planted eternity in the human heart…” (Eccl. 3:11 NLT).
Christian healthcare workers are privileged to care for God’s precious, multi-faceted treasures – our fellow human beings. They should be sensitive to needs that go beyond the physical and provide for the whole person. Furthermore, they should be prepared to provide care in a way that presents patients with a picture of God’s personal care for them.
“In the midst of their professional duties, Christian nurses and other healthcare workers have the distinction of carrying the aroma of Christ (2 Cor. 2:14) into every interaction.”
In the midst of their professional duties, Christian nurses and other healthcare workers have the distinction of carrying the aroma of Christ (2 Cor. 2:14) into every interaction. This can help facilitate scenarios in which patients can experience a sense of God at the bedside. By reflecting the character and heart of God in word and action, Christians offer patients encouragement that reaches their deepest, often unseen, needs.
Since they spend so much time at the bedside, nurses have a unique opportunity to share about God’s gracious love and communicate that their patients’ lives have meaning and purpose. Patients can also receive encouragement about reconciliation of broken relationships and hear about peace and hope that extends beyond their current circumstances.
The Saline ProcessTM
Practically speaking, how can Christian healthcare workers maximise opportunities to provide patients with a picture of God at the bedside?
The Saline ProcessTM, is a training program for Christian healthcare workers produced by IHS GlobalTM,which provides practical insights into how.
One prominent theme in the Saline ProcessTM Witness Training (SPWT) course is that, based on Matthew 5:13-14, Christian healthcare workers have received the identity of being salt and light (IHS GlobalTM (Trainer’s Manual) p.80).
Consider the impact of salt and light by imagining a world without them. Each is important, for sustaining life and adding flavour.
The right amount of each also matters. A portion of food that is excessively salted becomes distasteful; an infusion of a strongly hypertonic saline solution (like 3.0% saline) can be detrimental; people may flinch from an extremely bright light.
“Our goal as Christian healthcare workers should be to interact in ways that reflect both God’s truth and love, without creating more barriers…”
Our goal as Christian healthcare workers should be to interact in ways that reflect both God’s truth and love without creating more barriers (IHS GlobalTM, p.82). The SPWT course encourages Christian healthcare workers to build trusting relationships in which others feel safe, welcomed, and open to embark on a faith journey that addresses their deepest spiritual needs (IHS Global, p.131).
In the SPWT course, consideration is given to the characteristics and impact of both salt and light (IHS GlobalTM, pp.93-95).
- It’s well-known that salt adds flavour and can act as a preservative. Christian healthcare workers can bring the flavour of hope, encouragement, compassion and patience to the bedside as they care for the sick. Providing a smile or a gentle touch on someone’s shoulder communicates care and concern. Christians can speak the truth with compassion in difficult situations whilst maintaining integrity in their conduct, with the perfect balance of truth and love.
- Light is important for vision. Physical light enables one to see who is coming into their room or even to locate needed items. This is especially important for those in a strange bed, an unfamiliar environment, or without family and the comforts of home.
“If patients experience Christian healthcare workers consistently displaying the fruit of the Spirit, they may gain a better understanding of Jesus’ character…”
If patients experience Christian healthcare workers consistently displaying the fruit of the Spirit, they may gain a better understanding of Jesus’ character (IHS GlobalTM, p.123).
Christian healthcare providers serving patients with excellence (“working wholeheartedly as though for the Lord,” Colossians 3:23) is another way to reflect God’s character (IHS GlobalTM, p.125). As they provide holistic care, they may have the opportunity to answer anyone who asks them about the hope that they have (1 Peter 3:15).
Christian healthcare workers who intentionally incorporate the attributes of salt and light into their activities and interactions can have a significant impact on their work environment, on those they care for, and on those they collaborate with.
As Christian nurses and other healthcare workers approach those treasured by the Lord in the beds in front of them, may they always come with the perspective that each one is special to God.
May they remember they have the opportunity to provide care for them holistically, not just physically.2
May they also consider the difference they can make for eternity to those right in front of them, as they bring an appropriate amount of salt and light into their interactions.
May they also remember that it is ultimately God who changes lives, and their role is to be faithful while they trust Him for the results (IHS GlobalTM, p.179).
Nurses and other healthcare workers are invited to contact the authors for information on future SPWT and Saline ProcessTMTraining the Trainers courses:
Georgie Hoddle or Carol Rowley: saline@ncfi.org
Carol Rowley, RN
Carol Rowley RN, PhD, serves as Nurses Christian Fellowship International’s Global Saline Coordinator. In this role, she has the opportunity to promote whole-person care by equipping Saline ProcessTM trainers around the world. Through engaging those trained with content, coaching and community, many more nurses can be equipped and engaged.
Georgina Hoddle, retired RN
Georgie, as she likes to be called, is a retired Registered Nurse who volunteers on the pastoral care team of an aged care facility. Georgie is a Saline ProcessTM Co-Ordinator and a board member of the Nurses Christian Fellowship Australia (NCFA). She also works closely with CMDFA on Saline ProcessTM courses in accordance with a Memorandum of Understanding. Georgie has spoken at numerous national and international conferences. Her current interest is directed to compiling research on pastoral care for mental health.
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References:
For this article, nurses are included each time the term healthcare workers is used.
- Tyndale House Foundation. (2015). Holy Bible New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL USA
- IHS GlobalTM. 2015 (updated 1.4). Saline Process Trainer’s Manual.
