1 Corinthians Commentary

But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles…

1 Corinthians 12: 7-9

GIVING PART OF YOURSELF

BY DR. JOHN ARMITAGE

By giving blood, a Christian can be exactly the type of healer Paul mentions as showing the Spirit acting for the benefit of our community. Giving part of yourself to save a stranger’s life also can be viewed as the Spirit working a donor-to-patient miracle.

HOW BLOOD DONORS HEAL THE SICK

  • Blood provides nutrients, such as oxygen, needed for mending injured tissues.

  • Blood has signaling chemicals that trigger the clean out of damaged cells and closure of wounds.

  • Many cancer treatments and advanced surgeries cannot be performed without replacement blood.

  • Many bleeding emergencies from trauma, during childbirth, via blood vessel rupture, etc. can only be overcome with transfusion.

  • Some patients with sickle cell disease, bone marrow failure, thalassemia, etc. are dependent on repeated, term blood support for survival.