Message Minute (Treating vs. Healing)

"Your sins are forgiven... Get up and walk." - Luke 5:20, 24

When Jesus healed the paralyzed man, He did something unexpected—He addressed the spiritual issue before the physical one. The religious leaders were offended, but Jesus understood that true healing often requires addressing root causes, not just symptoms.

There's nothing wrong with medicine, therapy, or professional treatment. God uses these as tools of His grace. But there's a difference between treating symptoms and healing root causes. Medicine can treat anxiety, but only God can heal the fear driving it. Therapy can help manage trauma, but only God can restore what was stolen.

The paralyzed man's issue wasn't just physical—there was spiritual brokenness that needed healing first. When Jesus addressed both, the man experienced complete restoration.

Many people today are medicated for symptoms without addressing the deeper wounds. That insomnia might be rooted in suppressed guilt. The chronic pain might be connected to harbored bitterness. The depression might stem from unhealed abuse.

Everything is connected: physical health affects emotional health, which affects relational health, which affects spiritual health. True healing must be comprehensive, addressing the whole person.

This is why Jesus' approach was so revolutionary. He didn't just treat what people could see—He healed what only God could reach.

Reflection: What symptoms in your life might be connected to deeper spiritual or emotional wounds that need God's touch?

Prayer: Lord, You see beyond my symptoms to the root causes. Heal not just what's visible, but what's driving the pain. Use whatever means You choose—medicine, counseling, time, community—but ultimately, heal me completely.