Most of us would agree that we receive Spiritual healing when we seek forgiveness and are reconciled to our Heavenly Father through the saving blood of Jesus Christ our Lord. What about other manifestations of healing? Do we receive emotional and mental healing? How about healing and restoration of severed relationships? Are we healed physically through forgiveness and reconciliation? As the Word of God says in Isaiah 53:5 (AMP), “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was crushed for our wickedness [our sin, our injustice, our wrongdoing]; The punishment [required] for our well-being fell on Him, And by His stripes (wounds) we are healed”.
This verse does not identify a specific “kind” of healing. It simply states we are healed because Jesus lovingly and willingly took all of our sins; past, present and future, upon Himself and He suffered a horrible death so we could have salvation and healing. It is because of God’s great love for us that we can experience this. (John 3:16) And if we believe that we, too, have been crucified with Christ (see Gal. 2:20) than it is Christ who lives inside of us. Because we have Him in us we are compelled to be like-minded toward others. That is, as God through Jesus readily forgives us, we are to also forgive others. (Col. 3:13)
I have heard many a Pastor preach on the truth of Matthew 11:25. “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in Heaven may forgive you your sins”. If we hold unforgiveness in our hearts we are separated from God because God is love (1 John 4:8). I personally believe it is impossible to be unforgiving toward someone while having the love of God in my heart for them. In fact, I would say my unforgiveness leads to bitterness and the bearing of grudges. Now if those two things don’t sound like a breeding ground for sickness and disease (of all kinds) I don’t know what does.
But, in whom exactly is the sickness and disease breeding? Unforgiveness toward someone does not seem to adversely affect them. No, it is the one holding on to the bitterness of unforgiveness and who is bearing the grudge; they are sick and diseased. How so, you ask? I can only speak from experience. My bitterness has led to mental issues (depression, anxiety), emotional issues (anger, impatience), relational issues (marital discord, strife with others) and physical issues (fatigue, pain).
Take a moment to consider your state of well-being. If you find yourself longing for healing of any type I challenge you to get before our Lord and Savior and ask Him to reveal to you any areas of unforgiveness you may be holding onto. If He brings anything before you, ask Him to forgive you for the sin of unforgiveness and choose to forgive. This includes forgiving yourself.
“Lord Jesus, it is by Your great sacrifice that we are healed. By revelation of Your Holy Spirit show us all areas of our unforgiveness. Make us quick to repent. Thank You, for Your salvation and healing. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.”
Kami R. Lobner
Kami's Korner 