Nurturing the healer in us all

Perhaps at one time or another you have thought, “I am not a healer.” But evidence abounds of God’s healing qualities reflected in every one of us. Have you ever caressed a nervous pet, kissed a child before dropping him at school, or helped out a neighbor? Even the smallest expression of gentleness and love can redeem a moment from fear and worry. 

Christ Jesus discerned the healer tendencies in those around him, and he helped us know how to recognize and value the healer in ourselves and in others. The opening passages of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, known as the Beatitudes, point to qualities that equip us to be healers—qualities such as receptivity, sacrifice, humility, devotion, lovingkindness, pure goodness, peacemaking, reconciliation, and persistence in adversity. Identifying in ourselves and others these Christlike qualities that forward healing enables us to begin to value and put them into practice.