The spiritual gift of healing is often described as a supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit which results in miraculous healing, deliverance from disease, etc. Miraculous healing was performed by Jesus and His disciples many times, destroying the work of sin within the human body (Matthew 4:24; 15:30; Acts 5:15-16; 28:8-9).
Healing as a gift of the Spirit given to the church is primarily mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12, where we find it listed among the other spiritual gifts. Spiritual gifts are used for teaching and enlightening other believers, according to God's good purposes (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). (Also see: What are spiritual gifts?)
Something interesting of note is that 1 Corinthians 12:9 refers to the spiritual gift of healing in the plural, "gifts" of healing, which seems to indicate that there were varying skills or abilities connected to this gift. Maybe there were different levels of miraculous or dramatic healing—such as making the lame walk again versus understanding how to effectively use medicines versus the ability to empathize with and love others in such a way as to heal emotional wounds.
The Apostle Paul speaks about how gifts of the Spirit are given to believers for the purpose of glorifying God (1 Corinthians 12). But apparently some people in the Corinthian church were using their gifts as status symbols so they could exercise superiority over other believers. Being prideful about one's own spiritual gift or making someone feel inferior because of their specific giftedness is definitely not glorifying to God. (See 1 Corinthians 12:27 to 1 Corinthians 13:3.)
One of the many debates Christians like to get into is over the spiritual gift of healing. Some believe this gift and some other sign gifts are no longer given by the Holy Spirit today. Others believe that all the miraculous gifts are still active in the world we live in. Of course, the power to heal has always been in God's hands to begin with—not through the power of any human being, regardless of their giftedness. God is the one who heals. Period.
Events of miraculous healing seem to have been most focused during the first century, as the apostles were establishing the Church. We believe this was so they could prove their message was indeed from God (Acts 2:22; 14:3). Although there is no denying that God is able to do miraculous healing today, it is not quite as prevalent as in those days recorded in the book of Acts.
Yes, God still performs miracles, and yes, He still heals people. Nothing can prevent God from healing someone through the ministry of a believer if He chooses. God will intervene in whatever way He wills—whether through "normal" means or a miraculous one. Our salvation through Jesus Christ is a miracle in itself! We were dead in sin, but God came into our lives and Jesus brought us back to life (2 Corinthians 5:17). That is the most miraculous healing of all.
The spiritual gift of healing is described as a supernatural manifestation of the Holy Spirit which results in miraculous healing, deliverance from disease, etc. Miraculous healing was performed by Jesus and His disciples many times, destroying the work of sin within the human body. Healing as a gift of the Spirit given to the church is primarily mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12, where the spiritual gifts are listed. Although there is no denying that God is able to do miraculous healing today, it is not quite as prevalent as in the days recorded in the book of Acts.
Cat is the web producer and editor of 412teens.org. She is known as "412teens" on the 412teens Discord. She loves audiobooks, feeding the people she cares about, and using Christmas lights to illuminate a room. When Catiana is not cooking, gardening, or practicing creativity, she enjoys spending time with her two kids, five socially-awkward cats, and her amazing friend-amily.
