Do you remember the last time you visited somebody in the hospital? I do. As I walked the halls I observed the misery and suffering that each patient’s room seemed to house. Some were not seriously ill, but they were there nonetheless. The wished they could be somewhere, anywhere but there.

Others, however, were literally in a life and death struggle. The stakes could not be greater. In many cases the patients were surrounded by loving friends and family. In other cases the patients were facing the most critical moment of their lives with very few to be there for them other than the professionally-trained staff.

There are other types of hospitals designed to help those with other types of needs. Do you remember the last time you visited one of these facilities? I do. I remember wanting to cry as I witnessed people who were suffering, not due to physical challenges, but challenges of the emotions or the mind. Perhaps they were sensitive people deeply hurt by living in our very insensitive world. The world can be very cruel to such people—to the point where they need professional help just to get through the day.

Medicinal healing not enough

There is a need for another type of healing. However, you won’t be able to find any physical hospitals that would help those seeking this special healing. The healing I speak of here is the need for spiritual healing. With what we witness on a daily basis in global society there truly is a need for this type of healing. In truth, spiritual healing is foundational for each of the other types of healing.

Question: With our hospitals filled with state-of-the-art technology and highly trained professionals in their fields, is mankind truly receiving the care it really needs?

There is good news waiting for those with healing needs—and isn’t that really all of us? Don’t all of us need some type of healing at some level? The good news is that the hope for the healing of all of mankind does not rest in the hands of the men of science. As a matter of fact that hope does not reside in the hands of men whatsoever. The United Church of God proclaims to the world that real, lasting healing is coming—the kind of healing that only God can bring! Healing at every level of human existence! This healing will begin with the second coming of Jesus Christ. Several types of healing will take place.

Jesus Christ to heal the nations

There will be physical healing: “But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings” (Malachi 4:2). The word “sun” here means the sun that gives the earth its light and warmth. The metaphor is that of the healing powers the sun gives. In like manner, when Christ returns a significant part of His ministry is to aid in the total healing of mankind.

Jesus Christ will supply mental and emotional healing: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed” (Luke 4:18). Here Christ is referring to His first coming, but also alluding to the work He will do at His second coming—the work of healing the brokenhearted and setting people free. Mankind has been held hostage by Satan, the god of this world. But the time is coming when mankind will be liberated physically, mentally and emotionally from the injuries inflicted by Satan. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32).

The end of sickness and disease

Last and most importantly, mankind will receive spiritual healing. Notice what God will do for mankind upon genuine repentance: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). Our sins are to be forgiven, and we are to be spiritually healed as a result. Paul says that even our conscience will be cleansed and healed so that we can pursue a new life (Hebrews 9:14).

To read more about why sickness and suffering exist, please read our free booklet Why does God Allow Suffering? Then read about the cure in The Gospel of the Kingdom.

In addition to the fine literature and various media that is available through United Church of God we also have trained ministers who are available for personal counsel on this subject. At our web site www.ucg.org please reference the “Contact” tab and there you will find our congregation locator with a pastor in your area to be of service to you.