Reference no: EM133510499

When you read the account of the feeding of the 5000 (Matthew 14: 13-17) do you find it interesting that Jesus first addressed the physical needs of people? He fed them first-and then, as they ate, or after they ate, he delved into spiritual matters. Many missionaries do the same by helping develop clean water supplies, disease-preventing hygienic practices, or sustainable food sources as their initial ministry goals as a means of following Jesus' model.

During times of injury or illness, we tend to be very aware of our own mortality and often much more inclined to discuss issues of God, faith, life change or death. What is your experience with patients in this situation? In the context of nursing do you find the same order of events true: that by taking care of physical needs first you 'open the door' to a conversation about spiritual issues? Share an example of your experiences and what the "take home" message was for you regarding initiating a conversation about spiritual matters.