Gratitude Activates Faith

 In the Bible, Jesus healed countless sick, suffering and disabled people. This is one of the most prominent themes in the New Testament.

In the Gospel of Matthew, we read how Jesus healed all those who sought healing from him.

When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. Mt 8:16 NIV

When Peter first proclaimed the good news to non-Jews, he summarised Jesus' ministry in the following words.

And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. Acts 10:38 NLT

We read the same words in both Bible texts. Jesus healed everyone.

Was this a special offer when Jesus was on earth in the flesh before the cross?

Clearly not.

Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord.

The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Jas 5:14–15 NRSV

Here we see the word SAVE. This is a translation of the Greek word SOZO:

This word in the Greek NT sometimes means SAVE and sometimes HEAL

It has always been God's will that the eternal salvation of the soul and salvation from illness should belong together.

We already see both together in the Psalms.

... who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, Ps 103:3 NIV

What is the basis for this confident faith in God’s healing?

Firstly, holding on to God's promises and testimonies, no matter what other Christians or even theologians say.

The second is found in the same psalm.

Gratitude.

Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, Ps 103:2–3 NIV 

Today, countless Muslims are experiencing miraculous healings in the name of Jesus. Millions of Muslims are converting to Jesus. Gratitude for miraculous healings is very often decisive.

In Europe we often see a completely different attitude. So many Christians do not react to miracles with gratitude, but with doubt.

The humanistic culture in Europe has taught us to question everything. Tragically, this way of thinking is not only found in  traditional churches, but also in some free churches.

One of the most important concepts in the Bible is PEACE:

Paul repeatedly greeted the churches in the New Testament with GRACE and PEACE:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Eph 1:2 NRSV

Paul wants to explain to Christians that they have peace through God's grace, that they are reconciled with God and should no longer fear God's judgement and punishment.

But Paul was also Jewish. The Hebrew word for peace is SHALOM:

Peace: shalo̱m also means (external as well as internal) well-being; welfare; well-being;

• God wants to restore us holistically, to reconcile us to himself.

• God wants to heal our wounded souls and broken hearts.

• God wants to free us from illness and all kinds of disabilities.

Not only in heaven, but here and now.

Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Mt 6:10 NRSV

If you have problems with this teaching, you cannot eliminate your doubts with your logical mind alone.

Try a new approach. Start with gratitude.
Reflect on all the help you have received in life.

There is nothing good in this world that does not come from God.