In October Helen and I were involved in a conference that explored the themes of Healing and Wholeness. It was great to hear input from the team from the Guild of St Luke and St Raphael (also known as Gohealth) as we explored together how we can be churches where all can find healing and wholeness through faith in Jesus Christ.

There were many things that struck me, but there were two key themes that stood out I want to share with you. The first was that there are far more churches than there are GP practices across the country, and the question was then posed as to how can churches help contribute to healing and wholeness for our communities. When people see us as a church in Old Felixstowe, do they see that we are a place where they can encounter a God who loves them, wants the best for them, and who is interested in all of their lives? Do they encounter a God who seeks to bring healing and wholeness as we see evident in Jesus’ ministry? These questions and thoughts should challenge us, as we seek to live, show and tell of God’s love.

The second thought that has stuck with me is that the word we translate to healing in the Bible can have a variety of different meanings. So often I think of cure when I think of healing – but that word is rarely used. Other words that may help us to understand healing and wholeness are restoration and mending. God is a God of restoration and mending all of our lives. I especially like the idea that God mends our hurts, infirmities and weaknesses.

I know I need to spend more time contemplating and praying about what that should mean for us as we seek to share God’s love with those we meet, and I’d like to encourage you to do so as well.

If you have any thoughts or observations about healing and wholeness, I’d ask you to be in touch.

Please do look out for a course on Everyday Healing, a Gohealth resource, we are looking to run in the New Year: https://gohealth.org.uk

With prayers for healing and wholeness

Chris