The Gifts of Healings

Understanding the Gifts of Healings

In this chapter of our series on spiritual gifts, we are going to explore the gift of healing. The scripture does not actually say “the gift of healing” but rather “gifts of healings.” This distinction is important because some people are under the impression that the gift of healing is given to a select few individuals who can heal the sick. However, this is not what the scriptures mean, nor does it conform to the biblical text in 1 Corinthians 12.

These are gifts of the Holy Spirit, not our gifts. They are given as He wills, not according to our ability or merit. Paul said that the manifestations of spiritual gifts are given to each of us for the common good—to meet needs as they arise. Thus, the gifts are not limited to one person to the exclusion of others. They are based on the present need and the will of God. This is why Paul uses the plural forms “gifts” and “healings.”

There are often times when more than one healing is needed, or different types of healings are required. Each healing is a separate gift and may be done through different individuals.

Unfortunately, misunderstandings about the gifts of healings have led to the glamorization of this gift and its abuse by unscrupulous individuals who use it for personal gain. How many people would support extravagant lifestyles of certain individuals if they knew they could receive healing through the prayer ministry of their local church? Common sense dictates that most would rather support their local church and community. The false belief that one must seek out a “special” person to receive healing is what often drives people elsewhere.

Examples of Jesus, the Great Physician

There are so many instances of Jesus healing people in the New Testament that listing them all in one book would be impossible. Here are two examples of Jesus using the gift of healing:

Healing Peter’s Mother-in-Law

In Mark 1, Jesus comes from teaching in the synagogue to Peter’s house and learns that Peter’s mother-in-law is sick with a fever:

“Now as soon as they had come out of the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick with a fever, and they told Him about her at once. So He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her. And she served them.” — Mark 1:29-31 (NKJV)

This instance is not chosen because it was the most miraculous but because it was so ordinary—a fever. This demonstrates that Jesus cares about even the small things, not just major illnesses like leprosy or blindness. It also reminds us that walking in the Spirit’s empowerment often involves addressing small needs, which reflect God’s love.

Healing a Man with Leprosy

Another example is found in Luke 5:

“And it happened when He was in a certain city, that behold, a man who was full of leprosy saw Jesus; and he fell on his face and implored Him, saying, ‘Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.’ Then He put out His hand and touched him, saying, ‘I am willing; be cleansed.’ Immediately the leprosy left him.” — Luke 5:12-13 (NKJV)

In this instance, Jesus demonstrates His compassion and power, healing a man suffering from one of the most feared diseases of His time. His willingness to touch the man also underscores the importance of relational ministry, even in the face of societal stigma.

Examples of Healing in the Early Church

Not only did Jesus heal the sick, but His followers in the early church did as well. In fact, Jesus promised that healing would be one of the signs following those who believe:

“And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” — Mark 16:17-18 (NKJV)

Healing the Lame Man

In Acts 3, Peter and John encounter a lame beggar at the temple gate:

“Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.’ And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.” — Acts 3:6-7 (NKJV)

The man was healed instantly and began walking, leaping, and praising God. This miraculous healing astonished everyone at the temple and provided an opportunity to share the gospel. It demonstrates how healing serves not only as a physical restoration but also as a catalyst for spiritual transformation.

Paul on the Island of Malta

In Acts 28, Paul heals Publius’s father, who was sick with fever and dysentery:

“And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and dysentery. Paul went in to him and prayed, and he laid his hands on him and healed him. So when this was done, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were healed.” — Acts 28:8-9 (NKJV)

Paul was not a “faith healer” or a “healing evangelist.” He was simply a believer empowered by the Holy Spirit. This same Holy Spirit is present in every believer today. Paul’s actions show that healing can be an integral part of ministry, opening doors for the gospel and fostering community faith.

Healing in the Modern Church

I firmly believe that the gift of healing is meant to be active in the modern church. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in every believer (Romans 8:11). However, I do not believe that what we often see in “healing evangelists” reflects the proper use of this gift. Healing is not meant to be a spectacle or a means of personal gain.

Never do we see Jesus or the early church making healing a “show.” Yes, people witnessed healings, and yes, testimonies were shared, but they were not paraded around to validate ministries or manipulate support.

Healing is both evangelistic and pastoral. It shows unbelievers that God is real and powerful while demonstrating God’s love and care for His people. As James instructed:

“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.” — James 5:14-15 (NKJV)

This passage reveals that healing is designed to operate within the community of faith, highlighting the importance of prayer and communal support in times of sickness.

Addressing Concerns About Healing

Many people hesitate to pray for healing because they fear failure or misunderstanding. Questions like, “What if I pray for someone, and they don’t get healed?” or “What if people start doing weird things when I pray?” are valid concerns. However, these fears should not prevent us from being obedient to God’s Word.

It is not our job to protect God’s reputation; healing is His responsibility, not ours. We may not understand why some people are healed while others are not, but we can trust God’s sovereignty and goodness. Our role is to be obedient, to lay hands on the sick as instructed in Scripture, and to leave the results in God’s hands.

Final Thoughts

Healing does not require hype or theatrics. The Holy Spirit is gentle and works quietly. When people are healed, their joy is an honest and natural response to God’s work.

So, take a small step of faith. Be willing to pray for the sick and allow the Holy Spirit to use you in the gift of healing. You never know—your obedience may result in someone walking, leaping, and praising God right into your church. Wouldn’t that be a wonderful surprise?

How Can Embracing God’s Power Enhance the Gifts of Healings?

Embracing God’s power significantly enriches the gifts of healings, allowing individuals to experience profound transformations. This divine influence guides believers through their inner healing journey, revealing depths of emotional and spiritual restoration. By tapping into this strength, one can overcome past wounds, fostering an empowered, holistic approach to health and wholeness.

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