Blessing Children with Special Needs: Embracing God’s Unique Gifts Through Lutheran Special Education Ministries

Scripture Passage: Mark 10:13-16 (NIV)

“People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them, and blessed them.” When Jesus took children in His arms and blessed them, He offered a profound and unconditional love that disregarded worldly definitions of worthiness or ability. The beauty of this act is that He saw each child through the eyes of His divine love and honored them with acceptance, compassion, and dignity. Today, as we encounter children with special needs, we are called to follow Christ’s example and extend the same blessing.

Understanding “Special Needs” as God’s Unique Design

Children with special needs are often gifted with qualities that may seem different from the norm, yet these differences offer unique insights into the heart of God. In Psalm 139:13-14, David writes, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” This passage reminds us that every child is created intentionally by God. Each has been fearfully and wonderfully made, with a specific purpose and an individual design that reflects God’s glory. Recognizing this can profoundly shift how we perceive and interact with children who may face physical, intellectual, or emotional challenges. By seeing them as individuals crafted in God’s image, we are invited to appreciate and honor their unique qualities, not merely as “different,” but as integral parts of God’s diverse creation.

Blessing Through Presence and Patience

To bless a child with special needs means, first and foremost, to be present. Sometimes, these children require extra attention or additional support. Patience is essential, not only as an act of kindness but as a deep-rooted response of love. In Ephesians 4:2, Paul encourages us, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” This patience teaches us that blessing goes beyond a fleeting moment of charity. It involves committing to walk with these children and their families, showing them that they are fully seen and valued. Just as Jesus took time to bless each child individually, we can take the time to listen, learn, and celebrate the individual stories and achievements of these remarkable children.

Embracing Unconditional Love: Reflecting the Love of Jesus

One of the most powerful ways to bless children with special needs is to reflect the unconditional love of Christ. In Romans 5:8, we are reminded that, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus did not love us because we were perfect or because we had everything “right.” He loved us simply because we are His. By showing unconditional love to children with special needs, we embody this love of Christ. Our love must not be contingent upon a child’s abilities, behaviors, or progress but rooted in the sheer joy of their existence as God’s children. When we do this, we reveal the Kingdom of God to those around us, just as Jesus did.

Finding Purpose in Struggles

Caring for children with special needs can involve challenges, whether as a parent, family member, or community member. The struggles and the moments of difficulty should not be ignored, yet in the Christian walk, struggles are not devoid of purpose. In Romans 8:28, Paul writes, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Through the challenges of raising or supporting a child with special needs, God molds patience, compassion, resilience, and deep, abiding love. These challenges become a way for us to lean into God’s strength, seeking His wisdom, comfort, and guidance. When we embrace these challenges, we often discover that our own faith and dependence on God are strengthened.

Creating Inclusive Communities of Faith

As the Body of Christ, we are called to create communities that reflect God’s inclusive love and acceptance. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-26, Paul explains that every part of the Body is essential, regardless of function or appearance. He writes, “The parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable” (v.22). Children with special needs are not only welcome in our Christian school communities; they are integral members. This may mean offering resources to ensure our programs are accessible or training our staff and volunteers in ways that help everyone feel welcome and included. More than that, it is an invitation to the entire ministry to embrace and value each child, recognizing them as beloved and indispensable members of the school family.

Celebrating Each Child’s Contribution to God’s Kingdom

In a world that often values achievement over character, children with special needs offer us a glimpse into the simplicity of faith. Their joy, honesty, and resilience reflect qualities Jesus spoke of when He said we must become like little children to enter the Kingdom of God (Matthew 18:3). Rather than seeing these children as those who need to change to fit our world, we can look to them as teachers who show us how to find pure joy, perseverance, and unfiltered connection to God. By blessing children with special needs, we gain the blessing of witnessing their unique contributions to God’s Kingdom. Their lives speak to us in ways that words often cannot, reminding us of God’s steadfast love and faithfulness.

Practical Ways to Bless Children with Special Needs

1. Pray for Them and Their Families: Lift up specific prayers for each child and their family, asking God for strength, patience, wisdom, and joy in every aspect of their journey. Let the families know that you are praying for their child.
2. Serve as a Supportive Community: Offer practical support to families. This might look like providing respite care, offering meals, or simply being a listening ear to the family.
3. Celebrate Their Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate each child’s progress, no matter how small. Rejoicing in these moments can bring immense joy and encouragement to both the child and their family.
4. Be a Friend and Advocate: Foster genuine friendships with children with special needs, learning from them and advocating for their needs. Use your voice (literally and figuratively) to promote acceptance and understanding in your Christian school ministry.

By embracing and blessing children with special needs, we fulfill Jesus’ call to let the children come to Him. May we have eyes to see, hearts to love, and hands to serve in the way of our Savior, who welcomed every child with open arms.

Devotion by Dr. Thomas Wrege

School Funding Executive at DAST Consulting