Created for Community, Healed in Community: James 5:13-20

• God is relational by nature and has created us to be relational, just like Him: Genesis 1:26, 2:18
• Followers of Jesus in community represent the fullness of Christ: Eph. 1:22-23
• Relationship with others is required to live out the Irreducible Core—to live the Christian life

• We are meant to request prayer: James 5:14
• Prayer can result in healing—holistically: v. 15
• We confess our sins to each other so that we know how to pray, so that healing can take place: v. 16
• The prayers of those who are in right relationship with God are powerful: v. 16b-18
• The pursuit of bringing others to wholeness can bring salvation and inner healing: v. 19-20

Giving Away What We’ve Received: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

• God is the source of our comfort: v. 3
• We are then able to use that comfort to bring comfort to others in any affliction: v. 4
• The purpose of our suffering and subsequent comfort is for the benefit of others who receive comfort from being in relationship with us: v. 5-7

o Our healing and comfort is not just for our own benefit

• There is hope in the midst of pain and suffering: v. 7
• The more you’ve been through and the more you’ve received comfort—the more you will be able to give it away

Our Response

• There are two ways that we participate in inner healing

o Receiving it for yourself
o Facilitating it for others

• Evaluate: what areas in your life do you still need to experience inner healing?

o Where have you been wounded?
o Where is there habitual sin?
o Where is there unforgiveness?

• Take Action: share with someone where you are broken and receive prayer

o We are all broken, “no one does good”- Romans 3:10-12
o There is no shame because there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ”- Romans 8:1

• Where have you already received healing and comfort in your life? How can you give that away to others?

o Be available and willing to share what the Lord has done in your life
o Be present with people
o Pray for others