Being Made Whole

In one of the Gospel stories, Jesus heals ten lepers; but only one returns to give thanks. It’s interesting, Jesus tells the man who turns back, “Your faith has saved you.” Another translation reads, “Your faith has made you whole.” 

So, ten lepers were made clean, but one of them received something more.

A friend who is in recovery from addiction gave me some fresh insight into this passage. He said, “It’s one thing to be clean, clean from drugs, healed of a sickness, freed from anxiety or stress. All of those things Jesus can do. But what’s even more essential, is to allow God to make you whole.” The leper in the story does that by returning, recognizing the Higher Power, and giving thanks. Gratitude, faith, and salvation are all tied up together in this story.

Today, may you remember the grace you’ve experienced in your life. May you return to the source and find a way to give thanks. And as you do, may you notice the grace of God making you whole.

Let us pray: God of Grace, thank you so much for children, laughter, smiles, hugs, flowers, and butterflies, for family and friends, for life and health, for sunny days, and for rain. Thank you to our church families, for grandmas and grandchildren, for our cherished pets, and for the ability to love. We could go on and on, O God. Help us never take these gifts for granted. As we have received, may we in turn give. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.