Healing and Forgiveness Begins with the Lord

With so much focus on mental health these days the church has a tremendous opportunity to lead the cause and help its members (those suffering) find the help they need. The bible has given the church (His disciples) specific roles to help and guide those in need of healing.

In the gospel of Luke, Jesus is found in the synagogue in Nazareth on the Sabbath Day. He stood and read from the scroll from the prophet Isaiah:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,

because he has anointed me

to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners

and recovery of sight for the blind,

to set the oppressed free,

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Jesus came to preach the gospel, to heal the brokenhearted, to free people from the captivity of sin, to open the eyes of the spiritually blind, and to free those who have fallen victim to the entrapment of sin.

The root of mental unrest is sin and it is Jesus who provides the prescription to begin the process of healing. There are many scriptures that serve as a guide to aid in providing direction and support to those who suffer.

When individuals suffered from mental unrest in the bible it was their loved ones’ who brought them to Jesus (see Mark 1:21, Matthew 8:28, Matthew 9:32, Matthew 12:22 etc.). Our role, the churches’ role is to lovingly guide them to the One who can begin the process of healing.

It is Jesus who heals so lead them to Him, tell them of His love and His promises, tell them of His forgiveness and His restorative power, tell them about sin and how it separates them from His love, tell them about eternal life and encourage them to seek Him in prayer. Tell them but also show them through your love and encouragement.

Remember, we are not the healers God is but we can be guides providing unconditional love and support.

As the scripture says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you (Isaiah 26:3)”.