Healing

Healing is one of the many gifts of the spirit bestowed upon God’s children. Its origin is in the practice of Christ Himself, as well as those to whom He has given the gift. It is a commission to pronounce with power and authority in words or thoughts — as well as to lay hands upon those being blessed, as directed by the spirit — a command to heal. There is no requirement of age or gender or priesthood or office; it is faith that is the essential condition. But there is a commandment to neither boast nor speak about these works of the spirit to the outside world. Unquestionably, it’s a gift and blessing to the one being healed, but it’s also a gift to the one through whom that divine power is transmitted. And these signs shall follow them that believe: in my name they shall do many wonderful works; in my name they shall cast out devils; in my name they shall heal the sick; in my name they shall open the eyes of the blind and unstop the ears of the deaf, and the tongue of the dumb shall spea k… But a commandment I give unto them that they shall not boast themselves of these things, neither speak them before the world, for these things are given unto you for your profit and for salvation (T&C 82:22).

“Christ performed healing miracles, and yet for Himself there was no relief. His power was used for the benefit of others, but nothing relieved His pain, even when He cried out asking if it were possible that the cup of suffering be taken from Him. The greatest healer of history was also the one who suffered most….Why is one healed and another taken? Why do some suffer with incomprehensible burdens, daily disappointment, and unending disease, while others are delivered? How can God remain unmoved by the pitiful plight of undeserved sorrows? The Lord explained to me that ‘some people are taken and not healed because, in the Wisdom of God that person is ready and if left, will recede rather than advance, and some are taken because, if left, would interfere with and delay or hinder God’s purposes for others, and some are given to suffer because it gives them the opportunity to develop in Godly attributes they would not otherwise attain. God’s Wisdom is greater than man’s and sees more than can man. But in all matters there is reason and wisdom in how matters of health, life, and death unfold.’ I pressed the Lord and asked if mankind can hold more compassion and empathy for our loved friends’ and family’s suffering than does He. I have come to realize that, in the coming day when death, sickness and pain have passed away, and God will wipe away every tear from every eye, that it will include wiping away God’s own tears from His eyes. For God has not been unmoved by our disappointments, aloof from our broken hearts, and distant from our cries. He has been and is present throughout it all. He understands, cares, and weighs every moment of our plight, and intends to comfort us always. Whether in life or in death, He is intimate and affected.”¹

“Don’t judge another because you think God can be turned into an obedient servant that must heal if you have faith. It doesn’t work that way. It didn’t work that way for Christ. It won’t work that way for us. Go humbly to the throne of God and petition Him for intercession. (John 7:6; Alma 10:14.) If you have faith, He will either heal, or if you have faith, He will explain to you in an answer why it’s denied. You will know. You will come away with intelligence. What you cannot do is ignore heaven and demand that you have your way. God has been patient, faithful, and willing to reason with me. And God will be patient, faithful, and willing to reason with you.”² Mankind can’t fake spiritual power. Healing and visions, prophecy and revelation cannot be faked. Men either experience these things, or they do not.³ “Peter had absolutely no different ordination than when he entered the temple following the Lord’s resurrection and said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I [unto you]: In the name of Jesus Christ… [arise, take up your bed] and walk (Acts 3:6 [LE; see alsoActs 2:1 RE]). What Peter had that was different was faith. His ordination amounted to no power, but his faith in Christ healed the sick. And that is not controlled by institutions. That is not controlled by ordination. If you want to know how it’s controlled, study the Lectures on Faith.”⁴ See alsoGIFTS OF THE SPIRIT.