Dr Angel Abena Tiwaa, a Medical Officer, has urged Christians to combine faith in divine healing with healthy lifestyles and professional medical care.

She advised Christians not to rely solely on prayer when ill but to seek appropriate medical attention, follow professional advice and adopt healthy habits.

Dr Tiwaa gave the advice on Sunday during a “Health Sunday” service organised by Resurrection Power and Living Bread Ministries International, Dansoman–My Father’s House, on the theme: “Stewarding the Family’s Health.”

She said Christians could pursue health through three complementary avenues: faith in divine healing, healthy living and professional healthcare.

Dr Tiwaa said while Christians could trust God for supernatural healing, they should also recognise when medical attention was necessary and adhere to medical advice.

She cited James 5:14-15 and Isaiah 53:5 as biblical references supporting Christian belief in divine healing.

The Medical Officer, however, cautioned against treating divine health as automatic, saying believers needed to develop their faith and grow spiritually.

She encouraged Christians to strengthen their spiritual lives through prayer, Bible reading, Bible study and meditation, rather than waiting until illness or crisis before developing their faith.

Referring to 1 Peter 2:2-3, John 1:12, Romans 8:14 and Hebrews 5:14, she said salvation was the beginning of the Christian journey and believers needed to mature spiritually and learn to be led by the Spirit of God.

Dr Tiwaa said diet, stress and sleep could significantly affect physical and mental health and should therefore be given appropriate attention.

She encouraged families to eat healthy foods, exercise regularly, get adequate sleep and manage stress.

Quoting Proverbs 17:22, Dr Tiwaa said: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

She acknowledged that medicine had limitations and continued to evolve but said that was not a reason to reject professional healthcare.

Dr Tiwaa said patients had a responsibility to follow medical advice and seek clarification from healthcare professionals about their conditions, treatment and preventive measures.

“If you have been given a gift and you cherish the giver, you take care of it well,” she said, urging parents to protect, nurture and prepare their children for the future.

Dr Tiwaa said health stewardship extended beyond hospital visits and required individuals and families to take deliberate steps to protect their health.

She urged families to acquire reliable health information and use platforms such as social media for health education while being cautious about the accuracy of information obtained online.

Dr Tiwaa also encouraged parents to promote physical activity, including walking, make healthier food choices and reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages.

She advised parents to learn about children’s developmental milestones and take an active interest in their physical and developmental well-being.