Serving Together

Published: June 14, 2020, midnight

b'How do you react when you meet someone with a disability? People with disabilities are often excluded from activities. People make assumptions about them and avoid them. Even in our Christian circles, people with disabilities often feel like they don\\u2019t belong or can\\u2019t contribute their talents to the church. \\nOur society can be harsh. Sometimes it says mothers should be allowed to abort babies because they might be born with various disabilities. The world devalues people who seem like too much \\xe2\\u20ac\\u0153work,\\xe2\\u20ac\\x9d need extra help, or don\\u2019t contribute to society like others think they should.\\nJesus didn\\u2019t think this way! He didn\\u2019t judge a person\\u2019s value by the world\\u2019s standards.\\nAll people are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). We live in a broken world, and, until Jesus comes back, that brokenness will affect all of us in different ways (Romans 8:19-24).\\nUnfortunately, throughout history, people have often viewed those with disabilities as less-than simply because of their disabilities. But Jesus didn\\u2019t ignore the people society avoided. He knew everyone needed Him\\u2014His love and His message of salvation. In fact, He made a special point to reach out to the marginalized. Anyone who repents from sin and turns to Jesus in faith is an integral part of the church\\u2014the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-14).\\nAs Christians, the Holy Spirit empowers us to love like Jesus did. What does this look like? Instead of assuming something about a person with a disability\\u2014what they can or can\\u2019t do, what their life is like\\u2014talk with them!\\nWhen someone within the church has a disability, recognize them as a brother or sister in Christ instead of focusing on their disability. You are co-laborers serving together. Get to know each other, talking about ways you can participate in serving the church alongside one another. Listen to their story instead of trying to fix the situation. Pursue friendships, blessing each other and serving God together. \\u2022 Jessica Kleeberger\\n\\u2022 As Christians, how does our shared identity in Christ unify us despite our differences? \\n\\u2022 How did Jesus respond to those with disabilities? What are some ways you can personally follow the example set by Jesus in your church and community? \\nNow may the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, according to Christ Jesus. Romans 15:5 (CSB)\\n\\xa0\\nRead Verses:\\nExodus 4:10-12; John 5:1-8; 9:2-3'