We can become whole and find healing through Jesus Christ, despite the brokenness of this world.
In my last two months serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, my body started to seriously falter. I could barely walk and I struggled to get up my apartment stairs. I remember feeling distraught, not only for my body, but also for those I wanted to talk with about Jesus Christ. I cared about being physically capable, so I could finish my service strong, but my body was weak. As someone who has experienced what it is like to be physically impaired, I have often wondered who I would be if I were still sick. How could I be one with Christ if I felt so defeated? In a world where so much is broken and fallen, how could I ever be whole?
In her general conference talk “Spiritually Whole in Him,” President Camille N. Johnson teaches, “Wholeness does not necessarily mean physical and emotional restoration in this life. Wholeness is born of faith in and conversion to Jesus Christ and in letting the light of that conversion shine.” President Johnson’s message on wholeness has reshaped my way of seeing myself and my relationship with Christ. While feeling emotionally and physically spent on my mission, I equated my worth to my merit—what I could do, not who I was in Christ’s eyes. But Christ sees past our imperfections, and he doesn’t just want to heal us of our physical illnesses and maladies. He wants us to be spiritually whole. By living Christ’s gospel, we can gain peace and assurance that we are following his path, and thereby become spiritually whole.
When I realized Christ simply wanted me to follow him, I was able to feel his love and know that even though Christ was with me to help me serve other people, he was also there to help and love me. Understanding that truth was the healing balm I needed. I feel whole and at peace when I’m pleasing God with my choices, even though I am weak and imperfect. Everyone—even those who do not receive physical healing in this life—is promised spiritual wholeness and peace through their covenants and conversion to Jesus Christ.
Check out President Camille N. Johnson’s general conference talk, “Spiritually Whole in Him,” for more about how you can be spiritually whole in Jesus Christ.
Source: General Conference
—Katrina Rudd, Latter-day Saint Insights
FEATURE IMAGE BY TARA WINSTEAD
Find more insights
Take a look at the talk “The Healing Power of Jesus Christ” by Sister Cristina B. Franco for more information on how you can find peace and healing through Jesus Christ.
Read or watch Elder Malcolm S. Jeppsen’s general conference talk “A Divine Prescription for Spiritual Healing” to learn more about what you can do to become spiritually whole.