In his lifetime Jesus Christ performed many miracles (Jn. 7:31). Among them was a leper who was healed by his touch and he told him to tell no man, but show himself to the priest (Mt. 8:4). The Lord promised to heal people’s waywardness and to love them freely (Hos. 14:4). God was going to restore their health and heal their wounds (Jer. 30:17). For healing, we are encouraged to confess our sins to each other, and pray for each other (Jas. 5:15-16).

Dutch Catholic priest, professor and theologian Henri Nouwen (1932–1996) asked, “Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of may anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come.” Undoubtedly, Christians can do many small things to be miraculous gifts to others. It isn’t necessarily to do big things to have great results. Smaller ones are just as important.

Growth is essential in giving. This comes in different forms with many meanings. Max de Pree (b. 1924), businessman and writer stated, “We need to give each other the space to grow, to be ourselves, to exercise our diversity. We need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things as ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing, an inclusion.” Such lasting transformations come in beneficial ways. As they contribute to growth and understanding, healing takes place. These manifestations take time and ought not be rushed. We should persevere in doing good works.

Loving Friendships

The 38^th vice president of the United States, Hubert Humphrey (1911–1978), remarked, “The greatest healing therapy is friendship.” It’s ideal to have good friendships. They enable us to interact freely, explain our personal concerns, and solve problems. Good friends are able to give us honest opinions. These are a free gifts that bring joy to our hearts. In times of worry their musings soothe us. They comfort and provide hope about living.

These benefits come to people who appreciate us, for who we really are. They know our faults but accept us and are a blessing to our families. Indian spiritual master Sai Baba (1835–1918) explained, “Love one another and help others to rise to the higher levels, simply by pouring out love. Love is infectious and the greatest healing energy.” In love a healing balm encompasses us. We come to know our brothers and sisters care about what we do. We count on them for their support. These attributes make us realize that they care about our welfare.

Positive Faith

People hear good and bad things about religion. But Author and literary critic Christopher Hitchens (1949 – 2011) was positive about it. He believed, “Religion is part of the human make-up. It’s also part of our cultural and intellectual history. Religion was our first attempt at literature, the texts, our first attempt at cosmology, making sense of where we are in the universe, our first attempt at health care, believing in faith healing, our first attempt at philosophy.” Most people who are healed attribute this phenomenon to their beliefs in a faith and a loving God. As Hitchens explained that the gifts of religion are stupendous with far-reaching implications. People are therefore recipients of these special gifts which continue to shape their lives for the better.