I love the Book of Mormon. It's clarity and power in testifying of Jesus Christ never ceases to amaze and teach me. Several years ago (while in the MTC, I think), I heard the suggestion from Elder Bednar to take a copy of the Book of Mormon and study with a question or topic in mind. And when an apostle of Jesus Christ gives me a "suggestion", I take that as divine inspiration. Since then I've completed several studies in the Book of Mormon including Christ & the Atonement, covenants, strengthening family relationships, and most recently sources and application of healing.
While insight and inspiration gained through this study is at times challenging to elaborate on or to impart, however whatever part I can share I want to.
* At the root of all healing is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. That's just a truth. Physical, emotional, mental healing all comes from the Savior. The methods in which we access that healing power may vary from modern medicine and surgery to herbs, essential oils, and foot zone therapy, and the most vital ones, repentance and the power of the priesthood.
* Repentance is the Lord's primary established pattern to receive healing in our lives. Sometimes we think of "repentance" as a heavy or hard word. It just means a change of heart, a turning away from sin toward God. And the word "sin" in the scriptures is a translation from multiple Greek and Hebrew words covering a variety of meanings from "mistake or error", "guilt", "sadness", "lapse of judgement" all the way to "deliberate rebellion" and "transgression". Whatever degree of mistakes, lapse, or rebellion we find ourselves in- repentance is the answer.
* Other terms we use in relation to repentance include turning our hearts to God, submitting our will to God, being humbled/humbling ourselves, being made new creatures in Christ---guess what? You're talking about that same concept- turning toward God and that invites the power of the Atonement into our hearts.
*This one bears mentioning though it wasn't a major focus of my study, the Lord often provides healing through the proper use and administration of the priesthood, which is the power to act in the name of God. Blessings of the sick or for guidance, the administering of ordinances and making covenants all invite the power of the Atonement into our lives.
*Covenants heal because they bind us to the sources of healing, Heavenly Father and the Savior.
* Faith heals. Faith casts out and overcomes doubt and darkness, allowing light to take it's place. And that's one of the definitions of healing- to expose all darkness and replace it with truth.
* Knowledge heals. Perfect knowledge that is. Beyond just learning and education, coming to a knowledge of truth and true principles brings healing power into our hearts and mind because it erases false beliefs and deception.
* Love, true love, heals. Charity is the pure love of Jesus Christ and it heals the broken hearted, the lonely soul, and the chaotic mind. Unconditional love like that allow us to see people (including ourselves) the way Heavenly Father and the Savior see us- as who we can become and not just who we are now.
* Conversion heals. "be converted, that I may heal you" (3 Nephi 9:13) And check our Mosiah chapter 5.
* Righteous desires bring healing because they replace selfishness and connect us back to faith and knowledge.
There's more, but maybe I should leave that for you to study. In short, I know that all healing comes from a loving Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ. I know that healing is available to all who seek it if they will only turn and look to the source.
