THE CHALLENGE

How can we introduce Jesus as the healer he is to nonbelieving faiths? Can Jesus heal those who do not believe in his divine nature—the Son of God? Some will think this is impossible unless they were converted to Christianity. I believe that it is possible.

I follow Jesus and believe all the things the Bible teaches about him. But as a follower, I try to look at him first—the way in which I see him portrayed in the gospels. I see him in the way he would have been seen by the people who physically experienced his presence, his kindness, and his healing 2000 years ago.

The clearest picture I see is the Person who came to be with us to show his acceptance of those who were being rejected by the world. Simply that, without considering the many more complex things the Bible teaches about him. Maybe it’s because I, and others with lived experience can most identify with those people who first experienced his presence long ago.

I see who he was then, his Spirit still with us today, showing his kindness, treating us–those who are rejected today, with dignity. Because things haven’t changed much.

Although we should know who Jesus was and what he taught from the Bibles we read, there are many who think themselves to be his followers but have lost this true picture of him—the picture revealed by the gospels. They’re skipping over much of Jesus’ story when they read their Bibles. They are only accepting that which they can comfortably bring into their worldly lives. Have we forgotten what it means to really follow Jesus?

Perhaps this is the reason that people with lived experience—those who know what it is to be rejected—are able to see the clearer, more simple picture of Jesus. This is the Jesus who, through his great love for us can help us feel valued and more confident in how we face the world. Knowing him, we come to believe in ourselves and what God intended us to be. We realize that we’re not the needy people so many think we are.

These are the kinds of things we can learn at peer support groups. This is why peer support groups are important and the most effective way for us to find wellness. This is why all people with lived experience should learn about Jesus and what he can do for them. They may not become Christians, but they will know about Christ’s healing love—there for them today as it was there for those like them many years ago.

What shall we tell them about Jesus and how they can believe in who he is without them having to give up their traditional faith—the faith that is near and dear to them, the faith that is part of their culture?

That will be in the next instalment.