Biblical Answer

The Bible teaches us that true friendship is not based on external circumstances, but on a deep and abiding relationship with Christ. As we walk alongside someone with chronic illness, we can still be a good friend by being a loving and sympathetic listener, and by being present with them in their suffering. This is not to say that we can "fix" their illness or make it go away, but rather that we can be a source of comfort and support as they navigate the challenges of their condition.

In fact, the Bible teaches us that our circumstances, including our health, are not the ultimate source of our identity or worth. Rather, our worth and value come from our relationship with God and with each other. As the apostle Paul writes, "I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned the secret of being content, whether I am filled or hungry, or whether I have plenty or want. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:12-13) This means that even in the midst of chronic illness, we can still be a good friend by being a source of encouragement and support, and by pointing our friend to the ultimate source of their worth and value: Jesus Christ.

Ultimately, being a good friend with someone who has chronic illness requires a willingness to walk alongside them in their suffering, and to be present with them in their pain. It requires a willingness to listen, to support, and to encourage, rather than to try to "fix" their illness or make it go away. As the Bible teaches us, "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." (Romans 5:3-5) By being a good friend to someone with chronic illness, we can help them to see that their worth and value come not from their health, but from their relationship with God, and that even in the midst of suffering, they can still experience hope and joy.