What to do with healing?

Any time we try to sketch an outline of the Christian life, there are parts of it which are more about Gd, and some which are more about neighbors. Worship, prayer, scripture study — these are more about Gd. Feeding people, giving away money and possessions, causing justice to happen — these are more about neighbors.

But since the Christian life is to be modeled on the life and ministry of Jesus, one thing that continues to stump me is his ministry of healing. For us today, is that more about Gd, or neighbors?

If the shorthand for it is simply to ‘be healed’ then that’s fairly straightforwardly about Gd, and doesn’t take much further explanation. But look at the number of biblical accounts of Jesus’ disciples healing people — are we supposed to do that too, today? And if so, how? In what way are you and I called to be healers? 

One thing it’s meant in Christian history is the founding of hospitals and the funding of medical schools; but those noble achievements are beyond the scope of the average Christian life.

We could say, ‘be a healing presence’ and talk about patient listening, peacemaking and reconciliation; but that feels like over-spiritualizing what for Jesus and his disciples was quite clearly physical healing, to the point of miraculous cure.

We could quote the studies about the healing efficacy of intercessory prayer, and get more intentional about forming prayer groups. We could identify practitioners of holistic wellness — chiropractors and massage therapists and Reiki masters who literally ‘have healing in their hands,’ and make room for them on church campuses. We could do the same for therapists and psychiatrists and addiction counselors who offer journeys of mental health and healing. But all of these things seem to require particular gifts and training, which are again beyond the scope of the average Christian life.

I feel this, this confusion about healing, as a big blank spot in my relationship with Jesus. In every other way, I at least know how I’m supposed to follow him, even if I’m vastly imperfect in doing so. Even his acts of exorcism make more sense to me than healing — inner demons are something I understand, and can recognize in others. But when someone is sick or has a disease, I pray but my prayer feels empty; I visit the hospital but feel useless there.

I simply don’t know what it means for me, or for anyone’s Christian life, to ‘be a healer’ as Jesus and his disciples were.

Do you? Tell me.