Does God care about people with disabilities?

Jeremiah 31:8“For I [the Lord] will bring them from the north and from the distant corners of the earth. I will not forget the blind and lame, the expectant mothers and women in labor. A great company will return!”

God’s compassionate purposes have always included people with disabilities. God loves every person equally, regardless of strengths or limitations.

Luke 7:22Then he [Jesus] told John’s disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.”

Throughout his earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated special concern for people who suffered with disabilities. And Jesus’ concern didn’t merely stay in his heart, but reached out with help and healing.

Acts 3:7Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up.

As Christ’s representatives, the apostles’ ministry reached out to include all people, no matter what their gifts or challenges. We should also look for ways to help and fully include people who are in need.

Isaiah 35:5-6When he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy!

When Jesus returns and the earth is made perfect, all sickness and disability will be fully and forever healed.