Disabilities

Friends with Special Needs

More than anything else disabled people need friends — acquaintances, casual, close, or especially intimate. No matter what form of impairment the disabled person has, she needs friends who give unconditional love.

The faith, creativity, and commitment of friends helped a paralyzed man experience the healing power of Jesus. Four concerned friends took their paralyzed friend to see Jesus (Mark 2:1–12). After overcoming a seemingly insurmountable hurdle, the friends laid the paralytic at the feet of Jesus. When Jesus healed the man, He took special note of the faith exhibited by the four friends.

The disabled person needs friends who give more comfort than advice. Friends should continue giving of self despite barriers—architectural or attitudinal—involving persons with disabilities in activities and ministry. Integrate people with impairments with the able-bodied in worship. Evangelize disabled friends. Look past the gizmos, gadgets, and electrical wizardry to get to know the individual as a person. Have the attitude, “If I don’t reach out to this individual with the gospel and God’s love, who will?”

Tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, and longsuffering are essential to friendship with a disabled person. However, able-bodied Christians are also challenged to rise above all these obstacles and “put on love” (Col. 3:12–14). Unconditional love overlooks physical or mental handicaps and focuses on the true person, a special object of God’s care and concern. An intimate relationship with a disabled friend or family member can be a special way to discover what real love is all about.

Taken from The Woman’s Study Bible