In the New Jerusalem, why will the nations need healing?

TL;DR:

In the New Jerusalem, the tree of life will provide healing for the nations, restoring the unity, peace, and spiritual wholeness lost after the fall. This healing reveals an eternal wellness with God and others. Believers today reflect this healing by living out kingdom values such as peace, reconciliation, and unity in our relationships and communities.

what does the bible say?

In the New Jerusalem, the tree of life, which first appeared in the Garden of Eden, will provide continual fruit and healing for the nations (Genesis 2:9; Revelation 22:2). This healing fulfills the restoration of what was lost after the fall (Genesis 3:22-24). Although the New Jerusalem is a place of perfection, healing is required to restore the unity and peace that was lost due to strife, divisions, and the curse of sin. It marks the end of conflict, spiritual corruption, and the restoration of harmony among all nations. This healing continually promotes health and wellness. It is not physical, as there will be no more sickness, pain, or warfare (Isaiah 2:4) but it represents the complete spiritual and relational restoration that will take place in the eternal state. God’s perfect governance and service will be established, and the healing signifies the ongoing blessing and fulfillment of life in the presence of God. In the New Jerusalem, there will be no more divisions or strife, and all nations will experience perfect communion and glory with God (Revelation 21:3-4). As believers, we are called to reflect God's healing by remembering we are a global body of believers, working toward peace, and promoting reconciliation and unity in our relationships and communities. Living these kingdom values reflects the wholeness that will be fully realized in the New Jerusalem.

from the old testament

The tree of life first appears in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9) as a source of eternal life, but access to it was lost after the fall (Genesis 3:22-24). In the New Jerusalem, the tree of life reappears, providing continual fruit and healing for the nations, restoring what was lost and fulfilling God’s redemptive plan (see Revelation 22:2).

from the new testament

In Revelation 22:1-5, John writes that the tree of life in the New Jerusalem will yield twelve kinds of fruit each month, and its leaves will be for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, and God's servants will see His face and reign forever.
Why would the nations need healing? We know this healing is not of physical wounds as warfare will have ceased. Nor is it for illness or disease or any kind of pain (Revelation 21:4). The healing could mean from strife and discord and conflict as nothing there will be "accursed."
The other, more likely interpretation is that the leaves of this tree provide and promote health, rather than curing disease or injury. Revelation 22:2 states, "The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations." The Greek term used in that verse to describe their effect is therapeian. This word can mean healing, service, or care, and it is the root of the English word "therapy." Therapy does not actually heal, but it promotes good health and wellness. In the same way, then, the leaves of this tree are for the continued health of the nations. In English, "healing" is a possible meaning of this word, but it doesn’t encompass the full meaning of the original Greek.

implications for today

Everything in God's New Jerusalem will be blessed and in accord with His desires. No sin exists, perfect government exists, and the ability to worship God together exists. There will be complete peace—with God and with each other. Part of God's means to promote this perfection, either literally or symbolically, are the leaves of this healing tree of life.

As we await the day when the nations will experience complete healing in the New Jerusalem, we can reflect this healing in our daily lives by promoting peace, reconciliation, and unity. Just as the tree of life offers continual healing through its leaves, we are called to bring wellness and healing in our relationships, communities, and spiritual lives. Second Corinthians 5:18-19 tells us that we, as believers, are entrusted with the message of reconciliation. This means calling people to reconcile with God, but it also impacts other relationships.

This can look like resolving conflicts in our families, offering support to those experiencing emotional or relational struggles, or advocating for justice in a broken world. For example, offering emotional care to those in need or standing up for the marginalized reflects the healing and wholeness that will be fully realized in the New Jerusalem. As a global body of believers (1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Galatians 3:28), we know thatlife is not just about us. Working for unity and goodness for others, even in the midst of disagreements or difficulties, allows us to reflect the healing and reconciliation of Christ. Living God’s kingdom values now helps us to live out the healing He promises for the future.

understand

The tree of life in the New Jerusalem will heal the nations, restoring unity and peace that was lost after the fall.
The healing of the nations represents spiritual and relational restoration, not physical healing.
Believers are called to reflect this healing today in our relationships and communities.

reflect

How can you actively promote peace and reconciliation in your relationships today, reflecting the healing promised in the New Jerusalem?
In what areas of your life do you need to live out God’s kingdom values in relationships and community?
How can you begin living out the message of reconciliation in your daily interactions with others, especially in times of conflict or disagreement?

engage

How can the concept of healing in the New Jerusalem impact the way we address divisions and strife in today’s world?
How can believers collectively work to reflect God’s kingdom values in society, while also knowing that complete healing will come in the eternal state?
What are practical ways we can help promote spiritual restoration and unity among believers, reflecting the unity of the nations in the New Jerusalem?