Introduction: A Biblical Framework for Soul Healing in the Church

One of the ways in which the church can be relevant to society today is by becoming a healing community, a therapeutic instrument for a hurting world. Many people today who are discouraged due to distress, depression or loneliness, or who are hurt by broken relationships or infernal family situations wander through life as “injured” and “weak” (Ezekiel 34:16). It is these weary and heavy laden people who will make their way to a church in search of a balm for their wounds and meaning to their lives. The role of the church as a support community lies in its very nature. Its natural solidarity – “for we are all members of one body” (Eph. 4:25) – is strengthened by the supernatural love of grace: “because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us” (Rom. 5:5). The love of Christ is the motivation that “compels us” (2 Cor. 5:14). This is how the church becomes a support and healing community. In the first centuries, this was such a natural characteristic of the church that the concept of “hospital” is inseparably joined to Christianity. In fact, the first hospitals were founded by Christians.