EXPOSITION:

According to Wikipedia there are many definitions of disability, but they all point to an impairment that may be cognitive, developmental, intellectual, mental, physical, sensory or some combination of these. The definition above includes vision impairment, deaf or hard of hearing, mental health conditions, acquired brain injury, autism spectrum disorder and other physical disability due to the loss of arms, limbs, etc.

The United Nations, World Health Organization and other Non-Governmental Organizations are playing various roles for persons living with disabilities. This responsibility is not limited to these organizations alone because the word of God has standards for dealing with the less privileged and disabled.

God created man in his own image, but the fall of man introduced imperfections into our world. This points to the fact that the disabled, like all others are dear to God and he loves and considers them as precious in his sight. In our scriptural readings we see that God forbade the nation Israel from maltreating the marginalized including the disabled. We also read of how God used lepers to accomplish his purpose of deliverance for the nation of Israel during their distressing season of famine and siege by Syria. The disabled are included in God’s divine agenda of redemption and his love for humankind. We must understand this divine purpose and treat all with respect and love.