Friend, this is some of the best news you will ever hear: mercy is unearned, undeserved, and unmerited. It is a gift from God, freely given, just like salvation, forgiveness, and healing. Many people believe that if they are good enough, God will reward them with healing, but that is not how His mercy works. It is not based on our righteousness but on His. Our righteousness, as the Bible states, is like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), but through Jesus, we have been given His righteousness, which is already accepted in heaven.
People sometimes think they must bargain with God for healing, as if it were a transaction. They promise to be better, to do better, in exchange for healing. However, healing, like salvation, cannot be bought. It is already paid for by the blood of the Lamb. When Simon the Sorcerer tried to buy the power of God, Peter rebuked him sharply, declaring that God’s gifts cannot be purchased (Acts 8:18-20).
Healing, like forgiveness, is a mercy
A divine gift freely given. When we believe that we must earn it, we diminish the power of Christ’s sacrifice. No one can ever be good enough to deserve healing on their own merits, just as no one can be good enough to earn salvation. Jesus came to pay the price so that we might receive His mercy, not by works but through faith.
The Bible declares that we have been bought with a price, and our bodies and spirits belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:20). When we accept this, we can confidently say: “I am bought and paid for. My healing is bought and paid for. I don’t have to earn it.” If healing depended on our goodness, none of us would ever be healed. It is a mercy, a gift from a loving God who delights in blessing His children.
Mercy means that we do not receive the judgment we deserve, and instead, we receive blessings we did not earn. Throughout the Bible, those who cried out for mercy received healing. The blind men called out, “Have mercy on us,” and Jesus healed them. The Lord remains merciful today, offering healing to all who call upon Him.
Psalm 86:15 declares, “But you, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” His mercy is abundant, available to all who seek Him, regardless of past failures or mistakes. To question whether healing is God’s will is to question whether He desires to be merciful. The Bible affirms that He is rich in mercy toward all who call on Him (Ephesians 2:4-5). Healing is not about deserving—it is about believing in God’s mercy and receiving His grace.
The Power of Compassion
Many people struggle to believe in God’s mercy, thinking their mistakes disqualify them from His blessings. Peter, after denying Christ three times, must have felt unworthy of being used by God. Yet, Jesus sought him out after the resurrection, restoring him and commissioning him to feed His sheep (John 21:15-17). On the day of Pentecost, Peter stood boldly, preaching salvation, healing, and deliverance. This was the same man who had once denied even knowing Jesus! God’s mercy restored him and empowered him to fulfill his calling.
This same mercy is available to all who turn to God. It is the devil’s lie that tells people they must suffer for their past sins before they can receive God’s blessings. Such thinking undermines the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice. His blood is enough to cleanse, restore, and heal completely.
Matthew 14:14 describes how Jesus was moved with compassion for the multitude and healed their sick. Among thousands of people, surely there were some who did not “deserve” healing by human standards. Yet, Jesus healed them all. His mercy does not discriminate—it is freely given to all who come to Him in faith.
People often hesitate to seek healing because they feel unworthy. They believe they must first achieve a certain level of righteousness. But Jesus did not heal based on merit—He healed based on compassion. The sick, the broken, the sinful—all found healing in His presence. His mercy extended to the most unlikely people, proving that healing is not a reward for good behavior but an expression of God’s love.
Some believe that healing is only for the deserving, but the Bible refutes this idea. Jesus healed the unworthy, the sinners, the outcasts. His love and mercy are boundless. This is why the enemy tries to convince people that they are too far gone, too sinful, or too unworthy to receive healing. It is a lie. The mercy of God is greater than any sin, any failure, any shortcoming.
Philippians 2:25-27 tells of Epaphroditus, a faithful worker for God who became gravely ill. Paul did not heal him through his apostolic authority, nor did Epaphroditus’ own faith instantly deliver him. Yet, God had mercy on him and healed him. Healing is always an act of mercy, not a transaction based on worthiness or faithfulness.
This truth should encourage all believers: no matter how far you have fallen, God’s mercy is still available. No matter how unworthy you feel, His healing power is still at work. Say aloud: “I have faith in the mercy of God. I believe in the mercy of God.”
The Bible declares that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Just as He was moved with compassion to heal in the past, He is still healing today. Do not let guilt, fear, or self-doubt keep you from receiving God’s mercy. Healing is not something you earn—it is a gift already paid for by Jesus Christ. Receive it with faith and thanksgiving, and walk in the fullness of His grace.
Prayer Request Page: Lorna and Tony would be honored to pray for your healing personally. Let us stand in agreement with you today.
A Gift of Healing: Discover these 2 chapters from our book, designed specifically to boost your faith and help you receive God’s promises.
A Surprise Healing: Read this encouraging account written by Lorna that describes a surprise healing, when she prayed for someone.
Spiritual Encouragement & Medical Disclaimer The content on PrayerForFree.com is provided for spiritual support and encouragement purposes only. We believe in the power of prayer, but we also respect the medical profession. This post is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.