AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) are modern day plagues that have stricken fear in the hearts of many. AIDS is caused by HIV, which attacks and weakens the immune system over time until the body can no longer fight off infections and diseases. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 37.7 million people were living with HIV in 2020. Sadly, AIDS has claimed the lives of over 36 million people since it was first discovered in the early 1980s.
The Bible does not specifically mention HIV or AIDS. However, the Bible has much to say about the kind of behaviors that lead to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases like HIV. The Bible promotes abstinence before marriage, faithfulness within marriage, and avoidance of intravenous drug use—the primary ways to prevent HIV transmission today. At the same time, the Bible calls us to treat those who are suffering with dignity and love.
Sexual Immorality and Impurity
The primary means of transmitting HIV is through sexual contact with an infected person. Those who engage in high-risk sexual behaviors such as having multiple partners or unprotected sex are at greater risk of contracting HIV. The Bible consistently warns against sexual immorality and impurity:
Hebrews 13:4 – Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.
1 Corinthians 6:18 – Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
Ephesians 5:3 – But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.
The Bible promotes abstinence before marriage and complete faithfulness within marriage between one man and one woman. Violating God’s standards for sexuality through premarital sex, adultery, homosexuality, etc. shows disregard for His design and exposes oneself to unnecessary harm.
Intravenous Drug Use
Intravenous (IV) drug use is another common way that HIV is transmitted when users share infected needles. The Bible clearly speaks against getting drunk or losing control through substance abuse:
Ephesians 5:18 – And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit
1 Peter 5:8 – Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Proverbs 20:1 – Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
Getting drunk or “high” lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment, making one more likely to make regrettable decisions about sex or drugs. The Bible calls for wisdom and self-control.
Homosexuality
Men who have sex with men (MSM) represent a significant share of new HIV infections. The Bible specifically prohibits homosexual activity:
Leviticus 18:22 – You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination.
Romans 1:26-27 – For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
God’s design for natural and wholesome sexual relations is between a man and woman within marriage. Homosexuality distorts God’s intended purpose for sex and puts people at risk.
Love Your Neighbor
While the behaviors that lead to HIV transmission go against God’s standards, the Bible also teaches us to treat those who are suffering with love:
Matthew 25:35-36 – For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’
Galatians 6:2 – Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Jesus ministered to those who were sick and marginalized by society like lepers and prostitutes. As His followers, we are called to show compassion to those afflicted with AIDS and be moved with empathy rather than judgment or fear.
Healing and Deliverance
In addition to practical care and treatment, we can also pray for God’s supernatural healing and deliverance from any bondages of sin:
James 5:14-15 – Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
2 Corinthians 7:1 – Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
While HIV may not always be healed, God is able to perform miracles. Most importantly, He offers salvation, cleansing from sin, and eternal life to all who turn to Him.
Finding Purpose in Suffering
AIDS cuts lives short and can make people feel hopeless. Yet God is able to redeem any circumstance for good:
Romans 8:28 – And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
2 Corinthians 1:3-5 – Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.
God walks with us through suffering and is able to use it for purposes like drawing us closer to Himself and making us more compassionate towards others who suffer.
Looking Forward to Eternity
AIDS cuts many lives tragically short. But the Bible offers the hope of heaven and the promise of the resurrection for those who put their faith in Christ:
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 – But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.
1 Corinthians 15:42-44 – So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.
Death from AIDS is tragic, but those who trust in Christ can take comfort that their souls will spend eternity with Him. One day He will resurrect our transformed bodies to live forever in paradise.
Caring for Orphans and Widows
AIDS causes immense suffering for affected children and families. The Bible instructs us to care for orphans and widows in distress:
James 1:27 – Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
Isaiah 1:17 – Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.
Millions of children have been orphaned by AIDS. We can answer God’s call by adopting, fostering, volunteering, donating, and lobbying for policies that help affected orphans access food, shelter, healthcare, and education.
Working to Cure Diseases
While spiritual matters are most important, God also cares about our physical well-being. The Bible speaks positively about medicine and science:
Jeremiah 8:22 – Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?
Proverbs 31:6 – Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress.
It is right to work hard to find cures and treatments that relieve suffering. Christians can be involved in scientific research and medical care that helps prevent, diagnose, and treat life-threatening illnesses like AIDS.
Spreading the Gospel
Facing mortality causes many people to ponder spiritual questions and examine their lives. Christians should view AIDS as an opportunity to share the gospel and bring hope:
Romans 10:14-15 – How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
2 Corinthians 5:20 – Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
Churches and ministries can train people to sensitively provide spiritual counsel and prayer for those facing AIDS. Bringing people to saving faith in Jesus is the greatest act of love we can perform.
Conclusion
AIDS is a devastating disease that has claimed millions of lives and left countless orphans in its wake. The behaviors that lead to the spread of HIV go against God’s design for sexuality, self-control, and wisdom. However, as Christians we are called to show compassion, work for a cure, care for the suffering, and spread the eternal hope of the gospel. While AIDS wreaks havoc in this fallen world, we can point those affected to the promises of God and His power to redeem even the most broken situations for good.
