The word disability often conjures images and ideas that reflect a limited understanding of the unique abilities of people who have disabling conditions. Disability often causes us to focus on the condition itself, what a person is lacking, or the distinct challenges and limitations the person faces.

But, is this how God sees people with disabilities? Here is what Scripture teaches:

On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable and the parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow greater honor. 1 Corinthians 12:22-23

The word disability implies a lack of something. In contrast, Scripture confronts us with the reality that individuals who seem to be lacking in strength or who appear to be weaker are actually indispensable parts of the body of Christ.

Notice that Paul doesn’t use the word valuable, which would merely imply someone of great worth to the body of Christ. Instead, Paul says they are indispensable. They are absolutely necessary and essential, incapable of being discarded.

A motor is necessary to a car; without it, the car will not run. A battery is essential to operate a flashlight; without the battery, one cannot see in the dark. People with disabilities are essential to the body of Christ; without them, the body is not complete and cannot operate as God designed. Without the complete body of Christ, we cannot fully understand who God is and who we are meant to be.