The Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means to be whole. The Greek, sozo, is translated salvation, healing, whole, or be whole in the New Testament.

The Apostle Paul prays, “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5:23).

We are spirit, have a soul, and live in a body. Our spirit involves our life, relationships, and conscience. Our soul involves our mind, will, and emotions. Our body also includes our security and environment. Each part can be sick, and each healed.

Searching for Roots

When his friends lowered a paralytic before Jesus, he said, “Your sins are forgiven.” Jesus knew guilt prevented him from receiving healing.

If one part is sick, it can influence another part. When our spirit is crushed, we may suffer depression. Anxiety can cause heart problems. Unforgiveness can cause arthritis. Worry can bring migraines.

Listen to the Spirit

When healing the sick, ask the Holy Spirit to tell you if there is a root cause. He will—he is speaking to you all the time: For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man’s spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2:11).

You have the mind of Christ! He speaks via your own spirit, in thoughts, ideas, words, Scriptures, or pictures that pop into your head.

Common roots are fear, unforgiveness, worry, unrepentance, guilt, rejection, anger, bitterness, sinful habits, inherited problems, and demons.

Be bold to ask the sick person if your impression is true. If so, invite them to repent (if needed) and speak healing Scriptures over them.