Should Christians take pain medication?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Medicine is not anti-biblical. Taking pain medicine is not anti-biblical. Luke, the writer of one of the Gospels and of the book of Acts, was a physician. Additionally, Paul instructed Timothy to "use a little wine" for his illness (1 Timothy 5:23). In fact, Proverbs 31:6 tells us that alcohol was used to deaden pain and other symptoms. It is the abuse of alcohol and medicine that we should avoid. Christians can take pain medication when needed, as long as it is used responsibly and not relied upon excessively. The Bible does not prohibit medical treatment, and seeking relief from pain can be part of caring for the body that God has given us (1 Corinthians 6:19–20). Ultimately, the decision should be made with prayer and wisdom, considering both the need for relief and the potential for dependency.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Proverbs 31:6–7 talks about using something to alleviate pain or distress: "Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more." Yet Proverbs 23:20 warns against drunkenness.
• Isaiah 38:21 shows an example of medicinal intervention for healing: "Now Isaiah had said, ‘Let them take a cake of figs and apply it to the boil, that he may recover.’”
• Psalm 147:3 highlights God’s care for healing and restoration but does not prohibit seeking relief from pain in a tangible manner: "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• As Christians, we read in the Bible that we do not belong to ourselves any more, but to God: "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body" (1 Corinthians 6:19–20).
• The Bible also tells us that Christians must live sensibly and alert to represent the gospel (Ephesians 5:15–21; 1 Peter 3:15; 4:3–4; 7:8–9). We need to be cognizant of how we treat our bodies, being especially careful of anything that can harm our bodies, alter our awareness, or cause us to lose control.
• We must avoid the abuse of alcohol and medicine (Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:19–21; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:6–8). This includes pain killers. Some pain killers are more addictive than others; some cause major loss of control or perception and awareness. Like other medications, pain medicines should be used with caution and wisdom, and under the supervision of a medical professional.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

We are not to mistreat our bodies by the use of substances that alter our minds and bodies in an ungodly way. Similarly, we are not to mistreat our bodies by withholding substances that will treat maladies. God provides for us through the advancement of medical science, prescriptions, and treatments. At its worst, the mistreatment of such blessings includes overindulgence, misapplication, addiction, causing harm to yourself or others, and breaking the law. At its best, the use of medicine can fix some of the results of the fall, which introduced pain, illness, and death into humankind. It is up to us to prayerfully find a God-honoring application of medicine when needed, including pain medication.

UNDERSTAND

• The Bible does not prohibit medical treatment or pain relief.
• Using pain medication can be a way to care for the body.
• Pain medication should be taken wisely without harmful dependency.

REFLECT

• When experiencing pain, do you seek relief through prayer, medical help, or both?
• How do you ensure that taking medication remains a way to care for your body without becoming overly dependent on it?
• How does your view of your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit influence your decisions regarding pain medication?

ENGAGE

• How can Christians balance trust in God’s healing power with the practical use of pain medication? How can Christians give gratitude to God as the ultimate Healer through any means He uses?
• What physical options does God give us to manage our pain?
• What steps can believers take to avoid the abuse of pain medication while still seeking effective relief?