We Live in an Age of Self-Diagnosis
Not too long ago, if we had a health concern, we’d make an appointment with a doctor. Today, many of us turn to online symptom checkers instead.
WebMD will ask for your gender and age, let you click on the part of the body that hurts, and then present you with a long list of possible conditions.
The problem? We haven’t been through eight years of medical school. We’re not trained physicians. At the end of the day, we still need to see the doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
In the same way, we often try to self-diagnose our spiritual condition—thinking we can heal ourselves. But we can’t. There is only One who truly knows our hearts and can bring real healing: the One who made us.
The Need for a Healer
Luke 5:31–32 (ESV)
And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.
I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
When Jesus said these words, He was responding to criticism from religious leaders who judged Him for spending time with people they considered “less moral.” His point was clear: He came for those who know they are sick and in need of healing—not for those who think they are already righteous.
Today, many don’t see a need to repent. Some even misinterpret this passage to mean Jesus “approved” of sinful lifestyles because He spent time with sinners. But that’s not the message—He called them to repentance.
Jesus didn’t meet people in their brokenness just to leave them there—He came to heal them and lead them to a better place.
Illustration: The Struggle with Anger
Imagine someone who’s battled anger for as long as they can remember. They’ve tried counseling, read countless self-help books, and joined programs, yet the anger persists—damaging relationships and isolating them from others. Eventually, they conclude, “This is just who I am.”
Then, someone invites them to church. They’re drawn to Jesus, but the Bible makes it clear: following Him means walking away from destructive patterns like uncontrolled anger. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they begin to change—not instantly, but over time—by submitting to God’s Word instead of their emotions.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
No matter your struggle, God can provide a way forward.
The One Who Suffered in Our Place
Isaiah 53:4–6 (ESV)
Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.
But He was pierced for our transgressions;
He was crushed for our iniquities;
upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with His wounds we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
Jesus understands suffering. He wasn’t punished for His own wrongdoing—He was perfect—but for ours.
At some point, many of us realize our own way isn’t working. The road of self-destruction is wide, but the way of life is narrow because there is only one true Healer—Jesus Christ.
The Healing Power of Fellowship
We’ve talked before about the importance of fellowship—partnering with one another in Christ. Scripture takes it further:
James 5:16 (ESV)
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
For most people, this is challenging. We like to keep struggles to ourselves. But this verse calls us to trust another believer enough to share honestly and pray together.
When someone opens up to us, we should respond with:
1. Grace
Grace doesn’t mean approving of sin—it’s responding with love, compassion, and a willingness to walk alongside someone in prayer. Often, those who show the most grace are those who have been through the most themselves.
2. Truth
Truth can be shared gently, but it must be clear. We are not free to alter God’s Word. We trust that His truth will do the work in the heart of the one we counsel.
3. Time
Spiritual growth is a process. We walk with people at God’s pace, not ours—never forgetting that God’s grace and patience have been extended to us as well.
Final Encouragement
Whenever we grow weary with others, we should remember: It was God’s grace that allowed us to be forgiven and healed.
And if we have received such grace, we must extend it—to help others find the same healing that can only be found in Jesus Christ.