Understanding the Value of Human Life
Created in God’s Image
According to Scripture, God created man and woman in His own image (imago Dei), declaring it “very good.” This inherent value is not diminished by physical or mental disabilities, which are a result of the fall into sin. Every human being bears the marks of this brokenness, whether visible or invisible.
Disability and the Gospel
The Bible teaches us to approach disability with compassion and understanding. In Exodus 4, God takes credit for creating people with disabilities, saying, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD?” This perspective challenges our cultural response to disability, which often involves pity or patronization.
Weakness and Brokenness
Scripture shows us that weakness and brokenness can be a catalyst for spiritual growth and maturity. In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul writes about his own experience with a thorn in the flesh, which became an instrument of God’s power. This paradox is echoed in the words of Dr. J.I. Packer: “Weakness is the way.”
God’s Surprising Mission
God often uses unexpected people to accomplish His mission. In the Bible, we see examples of illiterate fishermen, tax collectors, and marginalized individuals being used as messengers and ambassadors. This challenges our tendency to choose people based on their abilities or influence.
Community and Hope
People with disabilities don’t need pity; they need community and the truth about eternal life in Christ. The church can learn from their experiences and perspectives, which remind us that this world is not our home. Weakness and brokenness can serve as a whisper, pointing us to the promise of heaven.
A New Perspective
By embracing our own brokenness and that of others, we can gain a deeper understanding of God’s grace and love. As Michael S. Beates writes in his book, Disability and the Gospel: How God Uses Our Brokenness to Display His Grace, “Weakness is God’s way of moving in this world.” May we learn to see the value and worth of every human life, regardless of ability or disability.
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