As a Christian, I would accompany the individual and empathize with their situation differently. One way is through spiritual support, while I might not be able to reduce their suffering I can pray with them, and even read the scripture together to offer them comfort.
I would follow Hardy’s (2021) argument of encouraging them to reflect spiritually and offer help whenever they need it. As a Christian, I would also listen actively to them instead of offering generic concerns such as assuring them everything will be alright. I would allow them to express their frustrations, fears, or hopes without judging their opinions. Moreover, I would try and practically help them through aspects such as offering meals when they need to, volunteering to coach the basketball team on their behalf, offer transport to the places where they need to be. My actions will have positive consequences for the individual and myself. For the individual, they will ease the burdens they might experience such as worrying over transport or meals. Additionally, they will feel valued and understood and therefore feel that God has not abandoned them in their fight. This will further fuel their spiritual; growth as they will continue to trust God for their healing (Katarzyna Ciećwierska et al., 2023). I will enjoy spiritual fulfillment because I am carrying out the acts of mercy that are the calling of every Christian. |
One way I can demonstrate respect for the perspective of the individual especially if they are different from my personal and professional values is by understanding their fears. Their perspective can be attributed to many factors such as cultural provisions, experiences, or even fear.
Therefore, I would seek to support their decisions. Moreover, I would ensure that I respect their autonomy such as their right to make their own healthcare decisions and this might not align with my values. I would focus on my role of providing full information, ensuring that I maintain ethical conduct and treat them with dignity regardless of their choices. Nonetheless, there is a possibility that I might have conscious and unconscious biases that might affect how I relate to the person. I would address the bias through self-reflection, ensuring that I understand what might cause my biases, and make a conscious effort to understand and respect the patient. Additionally, it would challenge my assumption and where need be look for more information in understanding different perspectives. This will ensure that I respect other people’s opinions. As a result of my actions, the patient will feel respected and this will greatly improve their care outcomes. |
As a Christian, I believe in the inherent worth of individuals. Therefore, if I were in George’s view, I would hang on to life up to the very end. I would ensure that I place my affairs in order, such as writing a will, choosing my healthcare provider, forgiving other people, and spending the best days with my family before my body degenerates even further (Horowski & Kowalski, 2021).
I must however admit that this might be hard given the previous life. George was very active in his community, career, and his family. Losing all this independence might make one lose their sense of purpose and result in unfortunate circumstances such as preferring euthanasia. However, I would express my fears to my trusted friends or family members and I am certain that they would give me the hope to bravely face my suffering. Additionally, I would turn to God in prayer as this will tremendously increase my faith and help me deal with everything that will come out of the sickness. Moreover, the hope of eternal life will make me stay faithful to God up to the last minute. |
References
Bogue, D., Hogan, M., White, N., Hoehner, P., Self, C., & Evans, K. (2022). Practicing Dignity An Introduction to Christian Values and Decision Making in Health Care (2nd ed.). Grand Canyon University.
Gonçalves, F., Teixeira, M. I., & Magalhães, B. (2022). The Role of Spirituality In People with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and their Caregivers: Scoping Review. Palliative & Supportive Care, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1478951522001511
Hall, M. E. L., McMartin, J., Park, C. L., Sacco, S. J., Kim, D., Kapic, K., Silverm