The Power to Heal

 DEVOTION

THE 1^ST LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

THE POWER TO HEAL

1 Cor 12:7-11

7 Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 8 To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, 10 to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.   11 All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines.

NIV

Having looked at wisdom, knowledge and faith, we now need to examine this gift of healing. It is unfortunate that some have distorted this into a method to fleece the flock, so to speak, but calling themselves “healers” or saying they have the ministry of healing. Of course, there is something special in a service when the Spirit manifests himself in someone with the gift of healing. When someone is miraculously healed and it is genuine the good that happens for the community of faith is a strengthening of their faith. We need only to see how people’s faith in Jesus increased every time He healed all who came to Him. However, as with Jesus, healing is not meant as a show, or something to gather larger numbers of followers. This is a gift of the Spirit who manifests this gift of healing when needed and for the express reason of bringing glory to God as the common good has their faith bolstered or their belief in God reinforced. Of course, when Jesus healed, he also demonstrated compassion and mercy upon the sick and the lame. On a personal note, I have received miraculous healing on several occasions straight from the Lord, without the gift of healing being manifested through a person. However, that does not make this gift void in any way. Still, it is right to ask God for healing and to believe that which we ask we will receive. Sometimes, we need to release our faith, while ridding ourselves of any doubt whatsoever. This is also needed to be open to the Spirit when He expresses His gift of healing through us. Jesus had the power and the authority to heal as well as raise someone from the dead. We do not have that same authority, but through the power of the Spirit, when He decides, miraculous healing will occur through a person either praying for or laying hands on the sick. Again, we cannot manufacture this healing, nor can we say that doctors are instruments of God’s healing power, although we should see the skill and knowledge of the medical professions coming from the influence of God upon them, for they do cure many ailments and infirmities. But we should not confuse medical healing with the gift of healing that is expressed in this supernatural manifestation of divin power. It does seem that to be used to heal, it would also be in conjunction with the gift of faith. We certainly would have to believe that the Spirit would use us, by expressing this gift of healing. If we shut out or shut down the Spirit, we will see none of these gifts and the common will not receive any good. Therefore, we confess our belief in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit who brings us all His gifts for the benefit of the common good, including healing. We are here Lord, use us, lift others up, increase their faith through your power demonstrated through us, even this gift of healing.