From the start, Christians have been in the healing business. “Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness” (Matthew 10:1). Healing proved Christ’s love and that he was something special. The healing we do today fits a slightly different definition. 

healing [hee-ling] NOUN 1. the process of making or becoming sound or healthy again.

Healing takes love and something special. It’s good work for Christians. Saint Basil started an early hospital in the Byzantine Empire back in the 4th century. Christians in medieval Europe started hospitals and universities. Today, Christians sponsor a variety of health, education, and social service ministries. I’m seeing individual churches get back into the healing business. They deploy the expertise of members and invite people from the community to come and be healed. 

Church support groups help grieving people cope with sadness and divorced people overcome bitterness. I know of a small-town church giving free haircuts to the rural poor, which boosts their self-respect when they look in the mirror. Nurses are providing screenings to people who don’t see the doctor often. Financial planners are teaching money management so folks know what to do with it if they get some. Churches offer food, shelter, and compassion to the homeless and displaced. The possibilities to prove Jesus’ love are endless. What are you qualified to do that would help people? Join a good church, and get into the healing business.