The stigma that “bad things only happen to bad people” goes back to the beginning of humanity. It was the central argument between Job and his so-called “three friends.” Unfortunately, this distorted philosophy still lives today within many cultures and religions. The sick and those with disabilities are often ostracized or ignored by their communities and held in complete isolation by their own family members.
Yet Jesus’ response to His disciples when asked, “Who sinned?” turns this whole philosophy on its ear. Instead of entering into the tireless debate over the “cause” and the “why” of a person’s disability, Jesus points a way forward. He does so by looking at these unfortunate events in a person’s life as opportunity, that “this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.”
It is in the manifestation of compassion and mercy that God’s glory becomes the brightest. Not even the most ardent opponent of the faith can argue against the merits of Christianity when love and compassion are genuinely shown to the least and forgotten of the world.
Prayer Points:
- Search my heart, Lord … Do I stigmatize people with disabilities in any way?
- Help me to present the message that no one is less in God’s eyes but all are greatly valued and loved.
- Show me how I can let my light shine and let God be glorified through me.
John 9:1-11, 2 Corinthians 9:6-14, Psalm 103:7-12