How can we "heal the sick" in our modern-day Christian communities? Setting the foundation: Jesus’ mandate to heal “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matthew 10:8) Jesus’ instruction is clear, direct, and present tense. He expects His followers, then and now, to minister healing as a natural expression of the gospel of the kingdom. Understanding the authority given to believers - Mark 16:17-18: “These signs will accompany those who believe… they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.” - John 14:12: “Whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing.” - Luke 10:19: “I have given you authority… over all the power of the enemy.” - Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Authority to heal is delegated by Jesus, confirmed by His unchanging character, and activated by faith that He still works through His body on earth. Practical steps to minister healing today - Ground everything in Scripture—let passages like Isaiah 53:5 and 1 Peter 2:24 settle the matter that Jesus purchased healing at the cross. - Approach the sick with compassion (Matthew 9:36). Compassion positions the heart to cooperate with God’s power. - Pray in Jesus’ name, not as a ritual but as direct appeal to His authority (Acts 3:6). - Lay hands on the person whenever appropriate (Mark 16:18). The physical contact is a biblical point of transmission. - Anoint with oil when available (James 5:14-15). Scripture promises, “the prayer offered in faith will restore the sick person.” - Speak life-filled words. Jesus often used commands—“Be healed,” “Rise up.” Our declaration agrees with heaven’s will. - Expect immediate or progressive results. Some recover “at that very hour” (Matthew 8:13); others “began to mend” (John 4:52). - Continue in thanksgiving, reinforcing faith and resisting fear or doubt. Cultivating a life that supports healing - Daily intimacy with the Lord—prayer, worship, and the Word keep faith fresh. - Holiness and obedience—“The prayer of a righteous person has great power to prevail” (James 5:16). - Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit—listen for His promptings, timing, and specific actions. - Fellowship and unity—corporate faith around the sick person multiplies power (Matthew 18:19-20). - Openness to spiritual gifts—gifts of healings and working of miracles (1 Corinthians 12:9-10) operate as the Spirit wills. Addressing common hindrances - Unbelief: In Nazareth, “He could not do any miracles… because of their unbelief” (Mark 6:5-6). Guard against skepticism. - Unforgiveness: Bitterness blocks the flow of grace (Mark 11:25). - Unconfessed sin: James 5:16 ties confession to healing. - Misunderstanding God’s will: Settle that Jesus revealed the Father’s heart by healing “all” (Matthew 12:15). - Fear of failure: Results belong to God; obedience belongs to us. Step out anyway. Testimony and community support - Share every confirmed healing, big or small; testimony builds faith (Revelation 12:11). - Record answers to prayer so the congregation sees a history of God’s faithfulness. - Provide practical care—meals, rides, encouragement—demonstrating love alongside prayer. - Train and release teams; multiplying ministers prevents burnout and extends reach. Living in expectation: the ongoing mission Healing is not a side project; it is integral to gospel ministry. As we preach, we heal (Luke 9:6). Until Jesus returns, His charge stands: “Freely you have received; freely give.” |
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