The heart of God has always been to bring healing to those who are hurting. The pain may be due to broken relationships or physical sickness. We are invited to be the instrument that God can use to heal and help the hurting.
In Zechariah 11:16 the job description of a bad shepherd is described. “I have put a shepherd in charge of my flock, but he does not help the sheep that are threatened by destruction; nor does he look for the lost, or heal those that are hurt “. Evidently, healing the hurting is important to God and should be for us as well. Not only ministers but all of us are called to administer healing to the hurting.
Healing physical sickness
Part of our commission as believers in Jesus is to minister physical healing. Mark 16:15, 18b “And he (Jesus) said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. ..they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” God wants people physically healed and sent Jesus to demonstrate that compassion. When He walked the earth Jesus healed all kinds of diseases. Even though Jesus has left earth, He is still alive in heaven. And He commissioned His followers to lay hands on the sick and promised them the sick would recover. His healing Spirit still remains on the earth today. Believers continue the healing ministry of Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. Physical healing is part of the Gospel that Jesus wants for people to experience today.
Healing emotional pain
Sometimes just being a friend who listens is the kindest thing we can do. But we also can pray for the hurting as well. Sometimes we can suggest a book that will guide a person to freedom from pain. We can share our own experience. We can lead them to the counsel of the Holy Spirit who is the comforter. Worshiping God with the hurting also is a great way to invite God’s presence into the situation. When a person is in the midst of tremendous pain, sometimes they need someone to guide them into healing.
Realize that you are called to minister healing to people you meet. You have not only a commission, you have an equipping to do this.
