So the apostles went out and traveled through all the towns, preaching the Good News and healing people everywhere. [Luke 9:6 NCV)]

There are a few Christians who truly have a healing touch; they can lay hands upon a person and physical healing will result. Most of us, however, don’t have that gift. Nevertheless, we all have the ability to heal and restore others. Healing may occur when we hold a hand in a hospital room, write notes of encouragement or sympathy, visit a shut-in, or when we offer a smile or a few kind words to a stranger. We offer healing when we greet a visitor at church, remember a birthday with a card or call, provide a helping hand, advocate for someone who needs a voice, or bring food to a family in need. Healing can begin when we dry a child’s tears, drive someone to a doctor’s appointment, give relief to a stressed mother, offer a listening ear, and open a door or lighten someone’s load. When we share our experiences with those who will find them helpful or encouraging or when we graciously accept an apology and readily forgive, we help restore spiritual health. I’ll never cure a case of leprosy as the apostles probably did but, Lord, show me how to be a healer.

The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love. [Hubert H. Humphrey]

I am not a God and I cannot perform miracles. I am simply a person who has been given the rights and responsibilities to be a Healer. I pledge to myself and all who can hear me that this is what I shall become. [From “The Oath of the Healer” by Louis Weinstein]