Jesus is the Balm of Gilead

Is there no Balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored? Jeremiah 8:22

A physician or person in the medical profession may take an oath to “do not harm.” Meaning even if they cannot make someone better through their medicine or treatment, they should be careful not to make them any worse than they are. This thought also applies to the relationships we are in with others. Sometimes people have been hurt, wounded, or traumatized on their life’s journey. We may not be able to solve their problems, take away their hurts or make them better, but we should be careful not to harm them any more than they have been. We don’t have to be part of that element or that part of their journey that make the bruise bigger or the cut deeper.

Jesus often met and had conversations with those who had been wounded through life experiences. Those who had been hurt by others, crushed, or traumatized in their life-journey. He always had the same approach no matter what the hurt or wound, regardless of how they had been traumatized: he was careful to bring a healing word and presence. His approach has not changed to this day. When he enters into our life or being he is not coming to make us worse, wound us more, and traumatize us further, or bring more grief or sorrow, but to heal us. He was then and continues to be the Balm that heals the sick soul, even if it is sick from self-inflicted wounds and sin. Jesus was and is the Balm of Gilead: the true Healer and Restorer, the remedy to all sin and sickness and sorrow. Let’s Pray

Jesus, you are our true Healer, Restorer, Sin-Bearer, Fixer, and Balm in Gilead. May we turn to you in every hurt and pain. Amen

Reflective Questions for Soul-Tending:

Where do you need the Balm of Gilead applied?

How will you apply today’s message into your plan of soul-care?