Disabilities: knowing your true value
At a consultation on disability in Oxford 1998, it was said: ‘We want our disabilities to be seen as part of the rich diversity that God has created. We want to be given the dignity that God has given us in our differences.’
Sadly, society in general so often overlooks the worth that God has given people with disabilities. In our planning, in our ways of working, we frequently fail to take into account the huge contribution people with disabilities can make.
Read Ephesians 2:10 and 1 Corinthians 12:7
We have all been made in the image of God – those with disabilities and those without disabilities. We have all been created for a purpose with something valuable to offer. All of us. God does not discriminate. People may discriminate, but God does not. People with disabilities have much to offer their communities, but like everyone they need an opening.
- In our church, in our work, in our everyday life, how can we encourage those with disabilities to best use the gifts God has given them?
- Do we sometimes discriminate without really meaning to?
- What things in our society, in our culture, make it difficult for people with disabilities to reach their full potential? What could we do to improve the situation?
Read Romans 5:1-11, 8:12-17
Jesus Christ died upon the cross so that we may be reconciled to God and know His perfect peace, whatever our physical condition. In Jesus Christ, all people can know their true value as sons and daughters of our Living God.
Alan Robinson works at Tearfund in the Latin America and Caribbean Team.