Photo by Jakub Pabis on Unsplash
Marvin was a believer, . . . but different. His movements were awkward. His words mostly yes, no, or short declarations. One evening after prayer meeting, he had a message for me: God loves the disabled.
Marvin wanted me to know, as best he could, that every human being, despite disabling conditions, is loved by God, made in God’s image. He communicated in so many words, that God knows intimately the challenges of emotional, physical, and mental illness, relates to every person according to their ability, and judges them respectively, appropriately, graciously. The “whoever” (John 3: 16) of God’s love means that He intercedes relative to individual capacity. His is a kingdom of grace that creates a place for the “poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.” (Luke 14: 13)
It was a short but powerful message.
I’m ashamed to say that until then, I hadn’t given much thought as to how God relates to people with disabilities. Marvin helped me consider the nuances of God’s grace. All human beings need the Good News of salvation in Christ. People with disabilities don’t need pity or niceness. Like all of us, they need God’s love and grace, and human community and kindness. They need the message of eternal hope and the warmth and embrace of a godly faith community.
Marvin also helped me reframe God’s grace as wider, more inclusive, more nuanced. “Righteousness and justice are the foundation” of God’s kingdom and that judgment is uniquely equitable. (Psalm 89: 14) His standard for the emotionally and mentally healthy is not the same as for those who have a diminished capacity. He intimately understands our situation and state of mind. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.” (Hebrews 4: 13) There isn’t a tear or a challenge that God doesn’t recognize. He sees where we’ve been and what we’re going through. He knows “we are but dust.” (Psalm 103: 14) When all humanity stands before Him in judgment, this cry will be lifted to God’s throne: “Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints! (Revelation 15: 3)
Thank you, Marvin, for helping me understand God, His creation, and especially you, better.
By Pastor Jeff Kinne