What Does the Bible Say about Disabilities?

In both the Old and New Testaments, we can find accounts of people who were either born with or developed a disabling condition. And God made it clear that they were to be treated with care and grace.

“‘Do not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block in front of the blind, but fear your God. I am the Lord’” (Leviticus 19:14).

The Apostle Paul later echoed this sentiment in a passage that compared Christ’s church to the human body.

“The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’ On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable…” (1 Corinthians 12:21-22).

The promises God spoke through the prophets often specifically included those with disabilities of different kinds, perhaps to emphasize the point that all who love Him will be included in His vows.

“‘See, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the ends of the earth. Among them will be the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor; a great throng will return’” (Jeremiah 31:8).

And the Apostles called on followers of Christ to find ways to bless others if they are lacking.

“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” (1 John 2:17).

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Several of those who served God in important ways dealt with an impairment of some kind. In each case, God reaffirmed that He had chosen them, and promised to display His glory through what they could accomplish.

Moses

When he was called by God to face Pharaoh and ask for the freedom of the Hebrews, Moses mentions his limitations in public speaking, possibly from an impediment or an anxiety issue.

“Moses said to the Lord, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.’ The Lord said to him, ‘Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say’” (Exodus 4:10-12).

Jeremiah

Called “the weeping prophet” by some, Jeremiah had the difficult task of confronting the people and religious leaders of his day. He endured scorn, beatings and even imprisonment. The sense of isolation and persecution left him emotionally depressed.

“I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, ‘My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the Lord.’ I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me” (Lamentations 3:17-20).

Paul

After his conversion on the road to Damascus, the Apostle Paul devoted his whole self to spreading the good news of Jesus. In one of his letters, he hinted at some sort of limitation he dealt with. Whatever it was, he called it a “thorn,” and prayed for healing.

“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9).

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During His earthly ministry, Jesus intentionally reached out to those with all kinds of disabilities. He saw their outward struggles, but never looked down on them. The Lord treated them with as much respect as anyone else He encountered, and sought to capture their hearts. That should be our mindset as well.

He healed some to show God’s power and compassion. They often gave public testimony and praise.

“Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel” (Matthew 15:29-31).

“As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned,’ said Jesus, ‘but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’ After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. ‘Go,’ he told him, ‘wash in the Pool of Siloam’ (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing” (John 9:1-7).

He healed some physically, yet showed more concern for their spiritual condition. They matured in their faith because of that.

“Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, ‘If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.’ Jesus turned and saw her. ‘Take heart, daughter,’ he said, ‘your faith has healed you.’ And the woman was healed at that moment” (Mathew 9:20-22).

“Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven’” (Mark 2:3-5).

Jesus healed some and reminded them of the importance of their heart attitude. The result for many was a new sense of humility and gratitude.

“One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’...Then Jesus said to him, ‘Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.’ At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked” (John 5:5-6, 8-9).

“A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, ‘If you are willing, you can make me clean.’ Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’ Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed” (Mark 1:40-42).

The Lord also used every opportunity to teach that those who are needy are just as worthy of our consideration. Those that listened learned that God values each person, whatever they can contribute.

“Then Jesus said to his host, ‘When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous’” (Luke 14:12-14).

In all these moments, Jesus was representing God’s love, which is unending and unchanging. He stressed that it is the inner life that truly defines a person, and brings them closer to His Father. We all have that in common.

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Very often, a person who has an impairment is given the grace to live their lives with the condition. If we have the chance to be a part of someone’s journey, the Lord will equip us to be a support and encouragement for him or her.

Both the Old and New Testaments say our approach should be the same with everyone we meet: seeking to serve them, and trying to meet both practical and spiritual needs as best we can.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:8-9).

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).

And as we help others, we must keep our own faith strong and our worship sincere. Then our relationships can go to a deeper level.

“Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed” (Hebrews 12:13).

Scripture has a vital message for those with disabilities: that you are loved completely and passionately by God - He “wonderfully made” you. He longs to be close to you and make you spiritually strong. And if you share your gifts and tell your stories, the world will be better for it.

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