Sunday, 23 November 2025
FORGIVENESS AND HEALING
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16).
There’s a divine principle revealed in the verse above that many often overlook, and it’s the fact that healing can result, not only from prayer, but also from the rightness of our hearts, our humility and love toward one another in the body of Christ. For example, when you offend your fellow brother or sister in Christ, you should be quick to say, “I’m sorry; it was wrong of me to have spoken to you the way I did; I misjudged you. Forgive me.”
That’s what it means to confess your faults one to another. It means being humble enough to admit when you've spoken harshly, misjudged someone, or held on to an offense in your heart. Also, rather than condemn or criticize others, you pray for them. The Bible says that when you do this, it leads to healing. Read the opening scripture again.
It brings to mind a remarkable testimony told many years ago by R.W. Shambach about two women in a church he pastored. One had a goitre that wouldn’t heal despite countless prayers. The other couldn’t receive the Holy Spirit, no matter who laid hands on her. Unknown to many, the two women held a long grudge against each other.
One day, during a church service, the pastor observed their behaviour and was prompted to intervene. He boldly confronted them and urged them to reconcile. As they tearfully forgave each other and embraced, a miracle happened instantly: the goitre vanished, and the other lady began speaking in tongues. No additional prayer was necessary. What a lesson this is!
Sometimes, what might be hindering some people’s miracle isn’t the lack of prayer but their attitude. Perhaps they’re harbouring resentment, bitterness, or they’re refusing to walk in love. God pays attention to how you treat your brothers and sisters in Christ. Be warm and loving to everyone. There should never be any person that you don’t like.
Some people greet and relate with everyone else joyfully, but when it comes to a certain individual, their demeanour changes. That’s not the way of Christ. He calls us to love one another, forgive freely, and live peaceably with all men. Refuse to harbour grudges. As the Bible says, be quick to forgive, and quicker to pray for those who hate you, persecute, or spitefully use you (Matthew 5:44). It’s the way to a life of health, wholeness and unending blessings. Hallelujah!
PRAYER: Dear Father, I thank you for the humility and love that your Word and the Holy Spirit have produced in me. I walk in love toward all, quick to forgive and ready to intercede for others. I’m a channel of healing, restoration and peace, and my heart is full of your grace, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Colossians 3:12-13; Matthew 5:23-24; Ephesians 4:32
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Peter 1:22-2:1-25 & Ezekiel 29-30
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 14:1-9 & 1 Chronicles 23