United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund estimates that about 240 million children are born with impairments. As a result, Christians raising children with disabilities must understand how to nurture them biblically. However, this might be one of the most difficult elements of parenting.
The good news is that you can often find guidance on how to raise your children, whether they have disabilities or not, in the Bible. Here are some biblical guidelines for how Christians should see disabilities and how the Bible can help you raise a child with disability.
Model Godly Behavior in Your Child
Modeling Godly behavior to your child is the best way to teach him or her. God’s love and wisdom are clearly demonstrated in Scripture. Using Bible verses or read Christian blogs such as When you need God, as a parent will help your children learn how to apply them to their lives even if they have disabilities.
For example, Proverbs 22:6 teaches Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it. You can use the proverb to talk about taking care of our bodies through proper diet and exercise.
Also, you could apply it to education by using verses such as 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which states, All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. You could apply this verse to teaching kids what is right or wrong based on biblical principles rather than just human thoughts.
Talk to Your Child
The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that it is crucial to maintain positive and open communication when parenting a child with disabilities. Listen more than you speak. Kids want to be heard. Ask your child how they feel about their disability and what they think is important about having a disability.
This can help you tailor your approach for them, which will make you an even better parent.It is also helpful when kids transition from one stage of life to another, like elementary school to middle school or high school. According to the Bible, patience is a virtue, and consider practicing it.
Children are embarrassed by their disabilities. But do not let that stop you from communicating with them on the subject or assuming anything about their limitations. Do not go overboard: You will probably have good and bad days as a parent of a child with disabilities. And that is okay!
House Chores
The Bible contains some specific instructions for believers to care for those less fortunate than themselves. In Ephesians 4:28, Paul writes, “…but must work, doing something useful with their own hands….”
He gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers. Many Christian parents use the passage as Biblical guidance on how to divide household chores among their children.
For Christians raising children with disabilities, certain Biblical principles can guide them through the challenges of parenting a child with a disability. One example is Galatians 6:2, which says, Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
It is important to remember that while you may have more struggles or responsibilities in life because your child has a disability, you also have the power to make life easier for your child by carrying the burden together.
Assure Your Children That They Are Normal
Everyone wants to be loved and accepted. Children with disabilities, just like every other child, have a desire for love and acceptance. Take time daily to assure your child that they are unique and special.
Talk about how much you love them, how beautiful they are, and how glad God chose them as your child. For example, Proverbs 3:5 says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.
In essence, God promises He will be there for you and gives you confidence that He is in control of everything that happens. Psalm 139:14 asserts I will praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. You can point out this verse during bath time or when changing a diaper to remind them of how special they are.
According to the Book of Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus encourages people who have disabilities by saying, Come to me all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. These reminders can provide relief for your child while giving them a strong foundation as they grow.
Biblical Guidance on Disciplining Children Born With Disabilities
It is important that Christians raising children with disabilities get some biblical perspective on discipline. God commands parents to discipline your children. Discipline is not punishment; it is simply teaching a child what is right and wrong.
Parents should use biblical guidance for disabilities in disciplining their children. According to Hebrews 12:11-12 No discipline feels pleasant at the time but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those trained by it.
That is why an important piece of parenting children with disabilities is guiding them in the right direction. One good example would be Proverbs 23:13, which says, Withhold not correction from a child, for if you beat him with a rod he will not die. You shall beat him with a rod and deliver his soul from hell.
The Bottom Line: Ask God for Wisdom
There is no shame in asking God for help. You might be afraid of what you will hear but consider it an opportunity to ask God for wisdom as you raise your children. Remember that He loves you and your children and knows what they need better than anyone else.
Trust Him when He answers; ask Him again when you do not understand why things happen as they do. God wants us to be good parents, and he wants us to succeed. Inquire of him for wisdom and biblical guidance for disabilities in parenting your children. He will make sure you have everything you need.
(Psalm 111:10) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Read the Bible and pray regularly, especially when facing challenges in raising your children. Ask God to help you understand how He can use your difficult circumstances to bring glory to Himself.
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