The Healing Power of the Gospel

I want to preface this post by calling out that nothing replaces medicine. When we are sick - whether mentally or physically - we should seek appropriate medical treatment. Modern medicine is - in my estimation - a gift from God to help us be healed of and comforted during the effects of many physical ailments; therapy can help people examine their lives in new ways and change in ways that people often cannot do by themselves. Lastly, faith in God includes doing what we can as well as seeking His blessings. That being said:

The Gospel of Jesus Christ provides healing. Christ took upon Him every unfair and unjust thing that would ever happen in the world so that He could heal us from it. As taught in Alma 7:11-12:

11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.

Those "pains and afflictions ad temptations of every kind" include the traumatic events that happen in life. They include personal tragedies and heartbreak, mental anguish, loneliness, depression, anxiety, betrayal, being forgotten, suffering due to a loved one's sins, and even being a victim of those whose duty it is to nurture and protect. Christ suffered these things "according to the flesh" and "His bowels are filled with mercy" on our behalf. As a result, He can understand what others cannot, and He is mighty to save, even from overwhelming anguish and suffering.

Our Father in Heaven knew that we would not be perfect and provided a Savior for us as part of the Plan of Salvation so that we could repent and return to Him. By the same token, He knew that we some of our sufferings would change us; if not healed, these traumas can limit us, affect our relationships, or otherwise stunt our growth and well-being. Just as the Savior can forgive sins, He can heal our hearts and minds and to right the wrongs of life. I have felt this healing power in my own life and I have seen it in others. I am grateful for the Risen Lord, and for His great patience and love. I know that He loves us and wants to heal us. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.