The Role of Healing in Personal Growth and Helping Others Thrive

In this morning’s sermon at Cypress Church, Pastor Ken Murphy shared a powerful message about the Great Commission, where Jesus entrusts his followers with the mission to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). This command calls believers to not only spread the message of the gospel but also to help others find healing and transformation through their relationship with God. As a mental health therapist at Teal Saguaro Wellness, I find that this concept resonates deeply with my work in guiding individuals toward mental wellness.

The Great Commission is about action, moving beyond passive belief to actively sharing the love and healing that Jesus offers. In the sermon, Pastor Ken shared, “You are the heroes of the entire story as God has designed it. This is how I want the whole thing to work… God entrusted some to be called pastors to do what? To encourage, to equip, to rally, to teach, to train God’s people, to be the ones who do the actual work.” This call to action reminds me of the role I play as a therapist, where I too am called to encourage, equip, and empower others, helping them move through their grief, trauma, and mental health struggles.

Healing is a powerful and transformative journey, whether it is through faith or therapy. Just as the disciples were tasked with sharing the good news and helping others experience God’s healing, I believe that part of my role as a therapist is to help people find their own path to healing. My work is not just about addressing mental health symptoms but also about helping individuals connect with the deeper parts of themselves—emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

In the same way that Jesus called his disciples to “go and make disciples,” I believe that healing is something meant to be shared. When we heal ourselves, we become a light for others who are struggling. Just as the sermon encourages believers to extend the invitation to others to experience the transformative power of Christ, I believe that healing often begins with taking the first step toward wellness. “Hey, just come see for yourself,” Pastor Ken said, emphasizing the simplicity of inviting others to experience something transformative. This could just as easily apply to anyone seeking mental health support. Sometimes, the hardest step is simply showing up.

When we are open to healing, whether spiritually or mentally, we start to realize that our journey is not just about us. It’s about the impact we can have on those around us. Pastor Ken also mentioned, “God’s plan has always been for his people to reach other people… one person to the next person.” In the therapeutic context, I see this playing out every day. As my clients heal, they often find themselves empowered to help others in their lives, creating a ripple effect of healing in their communities.

The connection between the Great Commission and the healing journey is clear: both involve action, both require patience, and both are deeply transformative. Just as the disciples were sent with the authority of Christ to heal, we are called to embrace our healing and share that process with others. My role as a therapist is to create a space where people can begin their own journey, armed with the tools and support needed to heal and grow.

In the same way that Jesus empowered his followers to spread the message of hope, I believe we are all empowered to heal. Whether it’s through faith, therapy, or personal growth, healing is an invitation. “Don’t miss the boat,” Pastor Ken cautioned, reminding us that healing and transformation are available to all who are willing to step forward.

If you find yourself struggling, remember that your healing journey is not just about you. It’s a part of something larger—a call to embrace your own transformation and, in turn, help others on their path. As we continue to heal, we can become beacons of hope and compassion, just as the disciples were called to be.

So, take that first step, whether it’s towards therapy or faith, and trust that you are not alone on this journey. Healing is possible, and it’s not just for you—it’s part of a greater purpose. Just come see for yourself. To get started on your healing journey, give us a call at 614-647-HELP.