One of our faithful members has a brother who has been diagnosed with brain cancer - a rare and aggressive form - and he has come to live with her. Let's call him Michael and her Mary.
Mary grew up Catholic, but in 'tradition' mostly, not really understanding the Gospel or the Bible in general. She has come a long way, and is an incredible Christian woman. Michael RECENTLY came to faith in Christ, and is a "new Christian".
Michael is having a really hard time (understandably so) dealing with the fact that he is "terminal". He has had surgery, removing a large part of the tumor, and several of our Church members have been to Mary's home to pray with and encourage him. So he's "physically ill". On top of that, he is weak Spiritually, being a new Christian. Additionally, he has shared that he has had thoughts of suicide, and appears to be having some depression. Now, I'm quick to admit that, in my younger years, I was fast with the "SNAP OUT OF IT" mentality, not understanding at all that this was ALSO an illness, and couldn't be resolved by just "deciding" to "be better".
WHILE our Church is dealing with Mary and Michael, I believe God is ALSO teaching our Church exactly what you I are discussing -- that the Church is, indeed, a hospital - but in more ways than one.
Maybe I just feel the need to express this, as it's heavy on my mind and heart right now.

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