Diversity & Inclusion for Mental Disability
Mental disability is a complex topic that brings many difficulties, both for those affected and the people around them. The Bible has various teachings and stories on how to accept and assist those with a mental disability. By understanding what the Bible says about mental disability, society can create a more inclusive environment.
Non-Judgement
The Bible teaches that we should treat everyone without judgment, no matter what kind of disability they have. In Matthew 7:1, it says, “Judge not, that ye be not judged”. This means that people should not be judged for their disabilities. It is important to remember that mental disabilities have no moral judgement.
Gifts From God
The Bible reminds us that everyone is given gifts from God. In 1 Corinthians 12:7 it says, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal”. This passage suggests that everyone has gifts, and those gifts should be used for the benefit of all. People with mental disabilities often have special gifts that others may not have, such as creativity and empathy. It is important to recognize and nurture these gifts.
Compassion
The Bible calls on us to have compassion towards people with disabilities, including those with mental disabilities. In Mark 9:22, it says “And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.” This passage is often interpreted to mean that we should all have compassion for those with disabilities, and help them in any way we can. It is important that we extend empathy and compassion to those with mental disabilities.
Acceptance and Support
The Bible teaches us to accept and support those with mental disabilities. In Romans 15:7, it states that, “Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God”. This passage suggests that we should accept and show support for those with mental disabilities. We should aim to create an accepting environment in which those with mental disabilities are able to thrive.
Legal Equality
Mental disabilities are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This act ensures that those with mental disabilities have equal rights and protections as any other group. The ADA also seeks to reduce discrimination against those with mental disabilities, as well as educate the public about disabilities.
Accessibility of Services
The ADA also calls for reasonable accommodations for those with mental disabilities. This includes ensuring that services are accessible for everyone, regardless of disability. This includes providing reasonable accommodations for those with mental disabilities in the workplace, in education and in the healthcare system.
Civil and Political Rights
The ADA also seeks to protect the rights of those with mental disabilities. This includes ensuring that those with mental disabilities have the same access to civil and political rights as any other person. This includes the right to vote, the right to run for public office and the right to serve on juries.
Community Engagement and Inclusion
The ADA also calls for the inclusion of those with mental disabilities in their communities. This includes providing opportunities for those with mental disabilities to become engaged in their communities and participate in public events. It is important to create an inclusive environment in order to ensure that those with mental disabilities can be a part of their communities.
Empowerment
People with mental disabilities should be empowered to make their own decisions about their lives and their healthcare. The Bible reminds us that everyone is created in the image of God, and that we should respect the autonomy of those with mental disabilities. In Genesis 1:27, it tells us that “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him”. This passage reminds us that we should respect the autonomy and choices of those with mental disabilities.
Social Inclusion
The Bible also calls for social inclusion for those with mental disabilities. In Matthew 25:40, it says “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me”. This passage reminds us to be kind to those with mental disabilities, and to ensure that they are able to participate in their communities.
Mentorship and Support
The Bible calls for people to support those with mental disabilities. This includes providing mentorship opportunities to those with mental disabilities. In Proverbs 27:17, it says “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” This passage suggests that we should be there for those with mental disabilities, and provide them with support and guidance.
Respect and Dignity
The Bible also tells us to treat those with mental disabilities with respect and dignity. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, it says “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.” This passage suggests that we should be respectful and kind to those with mental disabilities. It is important to create an environment that shows respect and understanding for those with mental disabilities.
Church Inclusion
The Bible calls for inclusion of those with mental disabilities in the church. In Luke 14:12-14, it states, “Then Jesus said to His host, ‘When you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind.’” This passage suggests that those with mental disabilities should be included in the Church. It is important to ensure that all members of the Church are included and respected.
Access to Scripture
The Bible also calls for everyone, including those with mental disabilities, to have access to scripture. In Isaiah 55:1, it says “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” This passage suggests that everyone should have access to scripture, regardless of their disabilities.
Faith & Trust
The Bible also calls for people with mental disabilities to trust and rely on their faith. In 1 Samuel 17:37, it says, “David said, ‘The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.’” This passage suggests that those with mental disabilities should trust in the Lord and rely on their faith.
Spiritual Guidance
The Bible also calls for spiritual guidance for those with mental disabilities. In Isaiah 48:17, it states, “Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.” This passage suggests that those with mental disabilities should receive spiritual guidance, as any other follower of God.
Advocacy and Education
The Bible calls for advocacy and education around mental disabilities. In Isaiah 1:17, it states, “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, and plead the widow’s cause.” This passage suggests that people should advocate for those with mental disabilities, and ensure that they are treated with justice. It is important to ensure that there is education about mental disabilities in our communities.
Changing Cultural Attitudes
The Bible calls for a change in cultural attitudes towards those with mental disabilities. In Luke 4:18, it says “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free”. This passage suggests that we should work towards changing cultural attitudes towards those with mental disabilities.
Raising Awareness
The Bible calls for people to raise awareness about mental disabilities. In Job29:15, it states, “I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.” This passage suggests that we should be advocating for those with mental disabilities, and seek to raise awareness about them. It is important to educate people about mental disabilities, and ensure that they are treated with respect and understanding.
Creating Meaningful Opportunities
The Bible also calls for meaningful opportunities for those with mental disabilities. In Psalm 68:6, it says “God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing”. This passage suggests that those with mental disabilities should have meaningful opportunities and be able to participate in family and community life. It is important to create meaningful opportunities for those with mental disabilities.
