What Does the Bible Say About Inner Healing?
Inner healing refers to emotional restoration from past wounds, a concept gaining popularity in some Christian circles. While addressing emotional pain is important, many modern “inner healing” methods incorporate questionable practices that diverge from biblical principles.
Concerning Trends in Inner Healing Ministries
- Mystical techniques: Visualization exercises and “prayer journeys” that imagine Jesus in past scenarios
- New Age influences: Borrowing methods from non-Christian spiritual traditions
- Three primary dangers:
- Re-traumatization through excessive focus on painful memories
- Creating false mental images of God rather than knowing Him through Scripture
- Potential spiritual vulnerability to deceptive influences
The Biblical Path to Wholeness
Scripture presents a different paradigm for healing:
- Death to old self: “We were buried with Him… that we should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4)
- Christ-focused transformation: Abiding in Him brings true healing (John 15:5)
- Objective truth-centered: Grounded in God’s sovereignty, Christ’s priesthood, and eternal hope
Healthy Emotional Processing
While avoiding mystical techniques, the Bible doesn’t advocate emotional suppression:
- God designed us with emotions and invites our honest prayers (Psalm 62:8)
- Healing comes through bringing our pain to God while anchoring in Scripture
- God’s Word is living and powerful to transform (Hebrews 4:12)
The Ultimate Healing Perspective
Hebrews 12:1-2 provides the perfect model: “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” True healing comes not from dwelling on wounds, but through Christ-centered renewal as we:
- Lay aside hindrances
- Run our spiritual race with endurance
- Focus on Christ’s finished work
