How can we discern the presence of healing gifts in our church community?

◄ Identify healing gifts in church? ►

“to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit.”

Setting the Foundation

• Scripture presents healing as a real, Spirit-given manifestation, not symbolic

• The same Spirit who empowered Jesus and the apostles still distributes gifts today (Hebrews 13:8; Acts 2:39)

• Every gift is for the common good, never for private glory (1 Corinthians 12:7)

Biblical Markers of Genuine Healing Gifts

• Christ-centered focus: healings direct attention to the Lord, not the instrument (Acts 3:6, 16)

• Doctrinal integrity: the person exercising the gift teaches in harmony with Scripture (Galatians 1:8)

• Observable results: verifiable improvement consistent with biblical examples (Luke 7:22)

• Accompanying fruit of the Spirit—love, humility, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

• Edification of the body: faith is strengthened, thanksgiving multiplies (2 Corinthians 4:15)

Practical Steps to Discern in Our Congregation

1. Saturate the process in prayer and fasting, asking the Spirit to reveal His work (Acts 13:2-3)

2. Invite elders to lay hands on the sick and observe outcomes over time (James 5:14-16)

3. Collect trustworthy testimonies—medical confirmation where possible—to document healings (Luke 17:14)

4. Examine the lifestyle and teaching of those who pray for healing, ensuring they model godliness (1 Timothy 4:16)

5. Seek concurrence from mature believers; gifts are recognized by the body, not self-proclaimed (1 Timothy 5:22)

6. Test everything; hold fast what is good, abstain from every form of evil (1 Thes 5:19-22)

Guardrails and Safeguards

• Reject manipulation or commercialism; freely you have received, freely give (Matthew 10:8)

• Keep Scripture supreme; prophetic words or impressions must align with the written Word (Isaiah 8:20)

• Maintain pastoral oversight to prevent confusion or disorder (1 Corinthians 14:40)

Encouragement to Cultivate Faith and Openness

• Regularly preach on the full range of gifts so the church expects God to act (Romans 12:6-8)

• Provide opportunities—healing services, small-group prayer—to exercise the gift responsibly (Acts 28:8-9)

• Celebrate every confirmed healing with corporate thanksgiving, reinforcing a culture of praise (Psalm 103:2-3)