Oftentimes, when we see people with a developmental disability, we do not see their ability because we are too focused on what we perceive as limitations. Yet, don’t we all have limitations? We are all born into sin and are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, so that none of us can boast that we save ourselves (see Ephesians 2:8-9). We are all in need of Jesus, and are all His children. As the church, we are blessed to be able to care for one another in Christian love, and help each other in our limitations.
The image above is a picture of four women who are encouraging and enjoying the fellowship of each other. Two of the women pictured have developmental disabilities, and volunteer to care for people who live at a local retirement community. This is just one of many ways that people with a developmental disability can provide care and compassion within the community. These women live in Michigan and are also very active in their local church community and neighborhood.
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We can all support and care for each other, despite our different abilities. Throughout all of our limitations, we have One who has overcome them all and conquered sin, death, and the devil in order that we might live for Him here on earth and with Him someday in heaven. What a blessing to be able to live in freedom, knowing that God has chosen us as His children and has created each of us with different abilities. As members of the body of Christ, we all work together for the good of the church (see Romans 12:4).
Do you know of someone in your congregation who has a developmental disability? Are they able to fully participate in the care ministries at your congregation? To learn more, visit Bethesda Lutheran Communities at http://bethesdalutherancommunities.org/.
