How the Bible Encourages Us to Love Those with Disabilities

One example of a person from the Bible who had a disability was Mephibosheth. He was a son of Jonathan, and lost the use of his feet as a child. 2 Samuel 9:1 says, “And David said, 'Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?’” Ziba the servant tells David of Mephiboseth and David sends for him to be brought, to obtain all that belonged to King Saul. David honors Mephiboseth. 2 Samuel 9:7 says, “And David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of Saul your father, and you shall eat at my table always.”

The story continues, “So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table, like one of the king's sons” (2 Samuel 9:11b). This story encourages us that we too need to have a place at our table for all people.

Some of the most unseen people are those who carry the responsibility of caring for and loving those with special needs. I recently met a new friend whose daughter has autism. She shared how her daughter struggles socially in large crowds and so church can be a hard place to attend. I invited her to try a smaller church with me and she came. To our delight, that church has a sensory room for those who need it. Their decision to care for the needs of others and go beyond in paving a way for this family to have community and feel welcomed into the church body was absolutely beautiful.

We too can reach out. Think about someone in your life who is a caregiver and possibly overlooked for invitations. How can you be the person to reach out and invite them into friendship and do life together? It is so important for these unsung heroes to know that what they do each and every day matters. They are making a difference and they have a special role in God’s kingdom to love in great measures.

More from this author
4 Valuable Reasons to Embrace Multi-Generational Community
What Does It Mean to Seek Refuge with God?
How to Actively Pray for Afghanistan

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Halfpoint

Emma Danzey’s mission in life stems from Ephesians 3:20-21, to embrace the extraordinary. One of her greatest joys is to journey with the Lord in His Scriptures. She is wife to Drew and mom to Graham. Emma serves alongside her husband in ministry, she focuses most of her time in the home, but loves to provide articles on the Bible, life questions, and Christian lifestyle. Her article on Interracial Marriage was the number 1 on Crosswalk in 2021. Most recently, Emma released Treasures for Tots, (Scripture memory songs) and multiple books and devotionals for young children. During her ministry career, Emma has released Wildflower: Blooming Through Singleness, two worship EP albums, founded and led Polished Conference Ministries, and ran the Refined Magazine. You can view her articles on her blog at emmadanzey.wordpress.com and check out her Instagram @Emmadanzey.