Healing in the church
Healing, a commonly used concept, describes a process that facilitates health and restores harmony and balance between the mind and the body. The Church is called to be a community in which the constant, total healing work of the Holy Spirit is taught, sought and experienced. The Spirit of healing is present in worship, sacraments, preaching, prayer, fellowship and pastoral and social ministry of the Church. Healing is always attributed to be God’s power.
The church main mission is to heal the wounds of the heart, to open doors, to free people, to say that God is good, God forgives all, God is the Father, God is affectionate, God always waits for us. If healing is the mission of the Church, it must be an important part of the ministry provided to those in need.
Types of Healing
When diving deep into the Bible, it’s clear that God’s healing power isn’t limited to just one aspect of our lives. He touches every part, from our physical bodies to the depths of our souls. Let’s explore the different types of healing we find in Scripture.
Physical Healing
Physical healing is what often jumps to mind first. It’s seeing the blind see and the lame walk again. Miracles Jesus performed weren’t just for show; they were proof of His power over creation.
- Examples in the Bible are numerous. One notable instance is in Mark 5:34, where Jesus tells a woman, “Your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”
- Faith plays a key role. Belief in Jesus’ power to heal is evident in every miracle.
Emotional Healing
The hurts that don’t show on the outside can be just as crippling as physical ailments. Emotional healing is a promise God gives to bind up the brokenhearted.
- Scriptural backing is strong. Psalm 34:18 assures us, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
- Forgiveness and love are often the first steps to healing our hearts.
Spiritual Healing
Perhaps the most profound healing of all, spiritual healing, goes beyond the physical and emotional to touch our very souls.
- It’s about sin and salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it’s the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
- A transformed life. This type of healing might not always be as visible as the other types, but it’s far-reaching and eternal.Through these various forms of healing, we witness God’s multifaceted compassion and power. His desire to see us whole—body, soul, and spirit—is clear. Yet, it’s through our faith and His grace that this healing becomes a reality in our lives. Let’s continue to seek Him in every area, trusting in His perfect will for our restoration.
Healing in the community
One of the stages in realizing community healing is to undertake a healing gathering or forum to identify the healing needs and priorities of the community. Healing forums help communities to identify the issues that are causing disharmony and imbalance in their lives.
Steps of Healing
The stages of emotional healing can be broken down into seven steps – awareness, acknowledgment, acceptance, feeling the pain, grieving, forgiveness, and moving forward. Signs of emotional healing include increased self-awareness, improved relationships, greater resilience, and improved physical health.