Come As You Are

Why Heal Our Body If Our Soul Is Still In Decay?

The biblical account of Jesus healing the paralyzed man is a profound illustration of the interplay between spiritual health and physical restoration. In the Gospels, particularly in Mark 2:5 and Luke 5:20, we see a compelling narrative where Jesus addresses the man's sins before addressing his physical condition. This sequence is not merely incidental; it signifies a critical aspect of the healing process. Jesus states, “Son, your sins are forgiven,” demonstrating that spiritual ailments precede physical afflictions. The act of forgiveness highlights God's priority on our inner transformation over external circumstances.

The emphasis on forgiveness serves as a reminder that physical healing is intrinsically linked to spiritual well-being. By forgiving the paralyzed man, Jesus facilitates not just a physical recovery but also an essential emotional and spiritual restoration. It challenges the perception that one's physical state purely defines their worth or potential for wholeness. Instead, the Gospels portray a God who is concerned with the entirety of a person's being, showcasing that true healing encompasses both the body and spirit and if the choice is one or the other, knowing where our eternity lies is more important than any earthy healing. In this light, the narrative encourages reflection on our own journeys of healing—reminding us that, our eternal life has to be the priority over this earthly life and demands the more immediate attention and divine intervention.

Jesus Knew What the Man Needed Most

The paralyzed man came to Jesus with an obvious problem — he couldn’t walk. But Jesus saw a deeper need. Beneath the broken body was a broken heart weighed down by sin, shame, and separation from God. And that’s what Jesus came to heal first. Because before our legs can walk in freedom, our hearts must be set free. We each need that same freedom, friends. Whatever brokenness you are looking for healing, first establish freedom from your sins.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
— Luke 19:10 (NIV)

When Jesus said, “Your sins are forgiven,” He was restoring the man’s relationship with God — giving him a brand new identity before giving him new legs.

Coming as We Are: Accepting God's Grace

In the journey of faith, the concept of accepting God’s grace is fundamentally rooted in the idea of coming to Him as we are. Many individuals grapple with the burden of sin and imperfection, believing that they must first achieve a certain level of righteousness to approach the divine. However, this notion contradicts the essence of God’s grace, which is freely offered to us, regardless of our status or shortcomings. Romans 5:8 reminds us that "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us," highlighting that God’s love is extended even when we are at our lowest.

Accepting God’s grace necessitates a posture of humility and vulnerability. Acknowledging our brokenness is not a sign of weakness but a courageous step toward healing. It is an invitation to recognize our imperfections and lay them at the feet of Christ. In 1 John 1:9, we are assured that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This scripture illustrates that true transformation begins with honest self-reflection and confession. When we approach God with our burdens, we permit Him to work within us, leading us to healing and restoration.

God desires our authenticity; He longs for us to step forward without pretense. This process can be daunting, as it requires letting go of our defenses and embracing the truth of who we are. Nevertheless, it is within this space of acceptance that God’s grace abounds. By accepting ourselves and our need for divine intervention, we open the door for genuine healing to take place. As we lean into God’s mercy, we learn that our imperfections do not hinder our relationship with Him but rather foster a deeper connection born out of honest reliance on His grace.

Jesus never asked the paralyzed man to prove his worthiness or fix himself first. He simply saw faith and responded with forgiveness. He’s waiting for you to come as you are — weary, wounded, and even paralyzed by your past.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

One of the hardest things for many of us to accept is that no sin is too big for God to forgive.
We tend to measure sin — we call some “small” and others “unforgivable.” But God is holy, and to Him, all sin separates us from His presence.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
— Romans 3:23 (NIV)

Yet the beauty of grace is that Jesus’ blood covers every sin — from the lies we tell to the lives we’ve broken. There is no “meter” in heaven ranking our failures. The same cross that forgives a thief also redeems the self-righteous. God doesn’t categorize sin; He cancels it.

And that means you are never too far gone, never too stained, and never too unworthy to be forgiven.

Our healing begins when we stop trying to fix ourselves and start trusting the One who can. We don't have to wait on the next new thing to come along to fix us, today is that day.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Transformation

The Holy Spirit plays a pivotal role in the life of every believer, serving as both guide and empowerer on the journey of spiritual transformation. When individuals accept Christ, the Holy Spirit indwells them, initiating a process of sanctification that aligns their lives more closely with the teachings and example of Jesus. This indwelling signifies a profound partnership between God and the individual, where the believer is invited to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in overcoming personal struggles and sins.

Galatians 5:22-23 provides insight into the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, listing the fruits that manifest in the lives of those who allow themselves to be led by His influence. These fruits—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—serve as the visible evidence of spiritual growth. As believers engage with the Holy Spirit, they undergo a metamorphosis that enables them to embody these qualities, fundamentally changing their reactions and interactions with others. The gradual emergence of these traits often illustrates the progress made in personal sanctification.

Moreover, this transformation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. The Holy Spirit works within believers, continually refining their character and empowering them to resist the temptations of sin. This divine partnership requires a conscious effort on the part of the believer to surrender their will to God, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead. As individuals cultivate their relationship with the Holy Spirit through prayer, studying scripture, and being part of a faith community, they will increasingly reflect the image of Christ.

In summary, the Holy Spirit is integral to the believer's transformation. His role in instilling the fruits of the Spirit allows for a profound change that equips believers to conquer their challenges and embrace a life that resonates with the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Steps to Redemption: Confession and Acceptance

God made the way to salvation simple — because grace was never meant to be complicated.

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
— Romans 10:9 (NIV)

Here’s how you begin your journey of faith:

1. Confess that you’re a sinner in need of grace.

2. Believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose again.

3. Ask Him to be Lord of your life.

That’s it. The moment you call on Him, He forgives you completely and begins to heal what’s broken inside.

Find Your Next Step of Faith

After you’ve given your heart to Jesus, find a Bible-believing church that will help you grow in your new faith. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you, pray with you, and walk this journey alongside you.

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together…”
— Hebrews 10:24–25 (NIV)

Faith was never meant to be lived alone — we need each other.

You Don’t Have to Be Perfect — Just Willing

Jesus isn’t looking for perfection. He’s looking for a willing heart. Just like the man lowered through the roof, you don’t have to have it all figured out — you just have to come.

He will meet you there, forgive your sins, and begin to heal you from the inside out.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

If you’re ready to take that step, we’d love to pray with you. Visit our Prayer Wall you can share your prayer requests or pray for others who are walking this same journey toward grace or send a private message. We are always here for whatever you need.

Because every story of unworthiness becomes a testimony of His mercy.