Foundation for ministry of inner healing

In Isaiah 61:1, the Bible says, that among other things, what Jesus came for was to bind up the brokenhearted. 

The Hebrew words used in this scripture are: לִשְׁבֻרֵי־לֵב (lishburei-lev) — “the broken of heart” 

Root word: שָׁבַר (shavar) = to break, shatter, crush.

“Lev” = heart (seat of emotions, will, inner self).

So “brokenhearted” means not just sadness but a deep shattering of the inner person — the core of identity, desire, and courage. 

“Bind up” (לַחְבֹּשׁ / lachabosh) – It’s the image of a healer wrapping up a wound to protect and promote healing. In ancient Hebrew culture, it conveys tending carefully to wounds so they do not become infected or worsen.

He came to not only bandage the wounds of the hearts, but as the Greek translation (Septuagint) says in Luke 4:18, as Jesus is quoting Isaiah, it says, “Heal” (ἰάομαι / iaomai), which means to make whole, cure, restore to health. Jesus doesn’t only bandage our wounds, he bandages, heals, restores, and makes us whole again.

Jesus doesn’t only bandage our wounds, he bandages, heals, restores, and makes us whole again. Share on X

Sometimes the process of healing something that has been fractured can sting or hurt during the healing process. 

The Good Samaritan

Luke 10:30-36 tells the parable of the Good Samaritan, the healer of wounds, the ministry of love, the tending of the soul. The tender meekness of our Savior, expressed through the loving care of the ministry of inner healing.

Verse 30 – He fell among robbers. No matter who has hurt you, broken you, stripped you of your identity, stolen your innocence or wounded your heart, it is always the spirit of killing, stealing and destruction that is behind it, not the person! 

Scriptural Symbolism

The Stripping of clothes in Scripture, I found, often symbolizes the stripping of our identity. That is, our core identity of who we are as a person. 

• Genesis 3:7 – Adam and Eve were ashamed of their nakedness.
• Isaiah 47:3 – God speaks to Israel saying your nakedness shall be uncovered.
• Hosea 2:3 – God warns Israel of being stripped naked for unfaithfulness, representing a symbolic loss of identity and protection.

Beating symbolizes the breaking of his will/spirit

• Proverbs 15:13 – “By sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.”

Being left symbolizes rejection, abandonment and isolation

• Psalm 27:10 – “Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.”
• Ezekiel 16:4–6 – God pictures Israel as an abandoned baby “cast out in the open field.”
• Luke 10:33 – a Samaritan saw him and had compassion. Inner healing is a ministry of compassion.

Verse 34 – He bound up his wounds, pouring oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, took him to an inn and took care of him. He then paid the innkeeper to keep tending to the wounded.

This symbolizes the process of inner healing. 

• Bound up his wounds.
• Poured oil.
• Poured wine.
• Put him on his own animal.
• Took him to an inn.
• Paid the innkeeper.

Jesus is telling this story to a Jewish audience steeped in 1st-century Jewish and Greco-Roman medical practices.

Steps Of Inner Healing

First step was to pour wine in the wound as wine was known to have antiseptic properties.

The truth of God’s Word cleanses our soul wounds, washes away residual dirt, shame and guilt and purifies us so we can begin to heal. 

The Word of God, when applied correctly, cleanses us of unrighteousness, breaks down strongholds of lies and realigns dysfunctional beliefs.

The truth of God’s Word cleanses our soul wounds, washes away residual dirt, shame, and guilt, and purifies us so we can begin to heal. Share on X

Next step was to pour olive oil as it was widely used for soothing and promoting healing:

What can be likened to the oil? The presence of the Holy Spirit. Throughout Scripture, the presence of the Holy Spirit and His anointing is likened with oil, which has soothing properties.

The Holy Spirit and His presence acts as a pain reliever in seasons of healing. The less of His presence you experience, the more painful the healing process will be, (John 14:26, Psalm 23:5, Isaiah 1:6)

Thirdly, the wound would be “bound up”, meaning wrapping torn or open skin with strips of cloth to:

• Stop bleeding.
• Protect from dirt, insects, and infection.
• Hold any medicinal substances in place.

What works as a sealing component in our spiritual life? We “seal it with prayer”. Prayer is what completes this first three-part process of inner healing. 

The truth of God’s Word cleanses our wounds. The presence of the Holy Spirit acts as a pain relief, soothing our hurts. Prayer is the sealing component, that keeps the other things in place, (James 5:16, Job 42:10).

Fourthly, the Good Samaritan put the wounded man on his own animal.

This signifies the sharing of burdens, letting someone who is wounded share their experience without shame or guilt, (Galatians 6:2, Romans 15:1, 1 Corinthians 12:26.)

Fifth, he took him to an inn, representing a safe place.

This is an environment that promotes healing, people that are safe, trustworthy, a place where rest and recovery can take place. The “inn” represents changing your environment — physically (unsafe home, abusive people), relationally (toxic connections), and emotionally (coming out of shame, fear, or condemnation into acceptance and grace) (Proverbs 18:10, Psalm 91:1–2.)

Lastly, he gave the innkeeper money to keep taking care of the wounded man after leaving. This signifies the importance of providing resources and tools for someone to continue the healing process even after inner healing sessions have been completed. 

The Holy Spirit and His presence act as a pain reliever in seasons of healing. The less of His presence you experience, the more painful the healing process will be. Share on X

Forgiveness opens the door to healing

One of the most important tools we can use in the process of healing our soul and our emotions is the tool of forgiveness. Unforgiveness gives demons legal rights to stay, it causes physical health issues, stress and sickness.

When you hold on to unforgiveness:

• You experience spiritual torment. (Matthew 18:21–35)
• You block God’s forgiveness in your own life. (Matthew 6:14–15)
• You poison your soul and your relationships. (Hebrews 12:15)
• You give the enemy legal access. (Ephesians 4:26–27, 31–32)
• You reject the gift you’ve received — grace. (Colossians 3:13)

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