In ancient times, those with leprosy, a disease of the skin thought to be highly contagious, were isolated in colonies. If they dared to venture out, lepers were required to loudly announce their condition.

But, there is a worse predicament. All people everywhere have been ‘diagnosed’ with the ‘disease’ called sin. We all have done wrong, been disobedient, and rebelled against God. This ‘disease’ or sin caused us to be separated from God until He sent the ‘antidote,’ Jesus, to heal us. Jesus’ death on the cross and subsequent resurrection cures us of our ‘disease’ when we choose to believe in and follow Him.

With our surrender, the separation disappears, the distance is dissolved. In fact, the opposite happens. When welcomed, God’s Holy Spirit comes to live inside us to help transform us to become the people God meant us to be ~ completely forgiven and wholly healed!

Here is the Apostle Peter’s response to the crowds after they were devastated with the ‘diagnosis’ and asked what action they should take. “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).