IN THE NAME OF JESUS, REVISITED

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

John 14:12-14

Friends have been critical about the title of my book, believing that potential buyers might be put off by the name of Jesus so prominent in the title. And yet, this book is on the topic of finding relief from mental and emotional pain through the power of Jesus and his love. I believe there could not be a better description of what it has to offer.

Perhaps they don’t understand what the title means. This book is very much about Jesus. Through stories from people who have been hurt by stigma it shows how we, as his followers, could be the kind of people who might be able help them. It shows us how Jesus, at the time he lived, relieved the pain of those whom the world had rejected. Jesus is our example of how to accept, show kindness, and listen to them as individuals who God values.

If we’re going to help people find relief from the pain caused by stigma, we can’t do it alone. Our own love is not great enough by itself. It is only possible by letting God fill our hearts with Jesus’ love—a love that will never die—and sharing it with others.

It’s only in his name that healing can take place. Remember what Jesus said? “. . . I will do whatever you ask in my name.”

When we pray, we pray in his name. Through Jesus’ name, we can bring his love to those who suffer.  Through Jesus, we can help bring relief from their emotional and mental struggles.

marja