The term "handicapped" refers to individuals who have physical or mental disabilities that may limit their abilities in certain areas. In the context of the Bible, the treatment and perception of handicapped individuals provide insight into the values and teachings of the Scriptures.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Law of Moses contains specific instructions regarding individuals with disabilities. Leviticus 21:16-23 outlines restrictions for priests with physical defects, stating that they could not offer sacrifices. This was not a reflection of their worth or spiritual standing but rather a symbolic representation of the holiness and perfection required in the sacrificial system. Despite these restrictions, the Law also emphasizes the importance of compassion and justice for all individuals, including those with disabilities. Leviticus 19:14 commands, "You must not curse the deaf or place a stumbling block before the blind, but you are to fear your God. I am the LORD."

The Old Testament also records instances where God uses individuals with disabilities to fulfill His purposes. For example, Moses, who had a speech impediment, was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 4:10-12). This demonstrates that God values individuals not based on their physical abilities but on their willingness to serve Him.

New Testament Context

The New Testament continues to reflect God's compassion and care for the handicapped. Jesus' ministry is marked by numerous healings of those with physical and mental disabilities, illustrating His power and compassion. In Matthew 11:5, Jesus describes His ministry by saying, "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor." These miracles not only demonstrate Jesus' divine authority but also His deep compassion for those who suffer.

The early church is also instructed to care for those in need, including the handicapped. In 1 Corinthians 12:22-23, Paul writes about the body of Christ, saying, "On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts we consider less honorable, we treat with greater honor." This passage emphasizes the value and importance of every member of the Christian community, regardless of physical ability.

Theological Implications

The Bible's teachings on the handicapped reflect a broader theological understanding of human dignity and the image of God. All individuals, regardless of physical or mental ability, are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) and possess inherent worth and dignity. The Scriptures call believers to love and serve all people, recognizing that God's power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Furthermore, the Bible presents a future hope where disabilities and suffering will be no more. Revelation 21:4 promises, "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." This eschatological vision provides comfort and hope for those who experience disabilities in this life.

In summary, the Bible presents a consistent message of compassion, dignity, and hope for the handicapped, calling believers to reflect God's love and justice in their treatment of all individuals.Hebrews 4:15
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
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James 5:10
Take, my brothers, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
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Hebrews 12:2
Looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
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Genesis 1:27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.
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The Economic Challenge to the Church
... The constant moving of the tenant has handicapped the children in getting a good
common-school education because of the breaks in their training resulting from ...
/.../church cooperation in community life/chapter iii the economic challenge.htm

part 1
... substitute the carnal mind could devise; therefore it is no wonder that the majority
of Christian enterprises in the world today are handicapped and crippled ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/tithing/part 1.htm

Theological Controversies and Studies
... They believed that Catholic apologists were handicapped seriously by their slavish
regard for the authority and methods of the Scholastics, and that if instead ...
/.../chapter vi theological controversies and.htm

Christ and Little Children
... a grace of God. As if the world were given certain odds in the race, and
the powers of heaven were handicapped. As if the young ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 10 13-16 christ and little.htm

Early Years
... The situation, hard enough before, now became, we may well believe, intolerable.
He was humiliated, handicapped, and even in danger of his life. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pamphilius/the life of constantine/1 early years.htm

July 22:
... The spiritual man is not taxed beyond the natural. He is not purposely
handicapped by singular limitations or unusual incapacities. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/beautiful thoughts/july 22 0.htm

A Successful Man of Affairs.
... The men who are handicapped to-day in the race for success are either those who
are born in homes of extreme poverty or of extreme wealth where they are ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study vii a successful man.htm

The Basis for Community Service
... half century of depending almost entirely upon individual regeneration through personal
appeal as a means of salvation of the race has handicapped the church ...
/.../vogt/church cooperation in community life/chapter ii the basis for.htm

Jabez
... What chance can there be in the race for one so heavily handicapped? Failure
is written on his brow by the hand that nursed him. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/jabez.htm

The Rural Sunday School
... They, however, must suffer in a handicapped development, through the shortsightedness
of their leaders. Where there's a will, there's a way.". ...
/.../alexander/the boy and the sunday school/xxi the rural sunday school.htm

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