“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.”
1 Corinthians 13:12
My friend Paulette has a daughter named Faith who was born with Down syndrome. When someone asked Paulette about life with a Down syndrome baby, she said, “Faith is not a ‘Down syndrome baby.’ She has Down syndrome, but that is not her identity.”
Twenty years later, I still recall that response. A condition or an illness does not become our identity. I needed this reminder daily when I cared for my mother-in-law. Alzheimer’s had stripped her memory but did not change her identity. She was still the dear woman who gave birth to and raised my precious husband.
When someone we know is battling a difficult diagnosis, it’s easy to allow the illness to block our view of the person. Paul reminds us that patience, kindness, and hope are indications of our love. We can look beyond the disease or disorder to the individual.
You and I are fully known by the Savior who redeemed us. He has looked far beyond our faults, yet loves us more than we can grasp. Such tender care can be found only in Him, the One in whom our true identity rests.
Twenty years later, I still recall that response. A condition or an illness does not become our identity. I needed this reminder daily when I cared for my mother-in-law. Alzheimer’s had stripped her memory but did not change her identity. She was still the dear woman who gave birth to and raised my precious husband.
When someone we know is battling a difficult diagnosis, it’s easy to allow the illness to block our view of the person. Paul reminds us that patience, kindness, and hope are indications of our love. We can look beyond the disease or disorder to the individual.
You and I are fully known by the Savior who redeemed us. He has looked far beyond our faults, yet loves us more than we can grasp. Such tender care can be found only in Him, the One in whom our true identity rests.
Scripture Focus
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
Insight
If you are a caregiver, how can you show your loved one that their illness has not become their identity?
Bible In A Year
- Ezekiel 3-4
- Psalm 132
- Galatians 1-2
