Definition: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from James 5:15. It's a really important message about healing and forgiveness! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says that prayer – not just any prayer – can actually heal people who are sick. Let’s unpack it a little further: “The prayer of faith…” This refers to a sincere and hopeful prayer. It's not just praying for something; it's praying with a genuine belief that God wants to help. “…shall save the sick…” This means that when we pray with faith, our prayers can have a powerful effect on someone who is physically or emotionally unwell – like someone who is sick. It’s about offering comfort and healing. “And the Lord shall raise him up…” This part suggests that God responds to our prayer. He doesn't just magically fix things; He actively works to restore someone. Think of it like a gentle nudge from a powerful being. “…and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” This is the really important part! If someone has made mistakes or done wrong, our prayers can help God forgive them. It’s about offering mercy and cleansing. So, it's saying that by praying with faith, we open ourselves to God’s healing power. It's not about forcing a miracle; it's about trusting in God's love and willingness to restore what is broken. In short, the verse encourages us to pray with hope and belief – because our prayers can be a powerful way to bring healing and forgiveness. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give you some examples of how to pray with faith? Discuss other verses related to prayer and healing?