Christians and Adoption

by Melissa J | More from this Blogger

07 Mar 2007 04:43 AM

Have you noticed how common adoption is among Christians? While meeting our first case worker, this topic came up and got me thinking about why Christians might feel so drawn to this path to parenthood.

Initially I thought Christian families might have a heart to adopt mainly so they could be a light to children who've been wounded in the past, using adoption as sort of a ministry opportunity. I think there is more to it than that though. While it's true many Christians do have quite a heart to help others, I believe the Spirit of the Lord is divinely involved. I know not every Christian feels called to open their home and heart to a child by adoption, many still feel called to support financially to missions and local programs such as Royal Family Kid's Camp, a camp for foster children which provides them with a glimpse of their value in the eyes of God through stories and fun.

My husband and I didn't adopt because we wanted to be charitable, but because we wanted to be parents. It didn't matter where our children came from. Most Christians I've talked with who've adopted or expressed a desire to adopt have shared an intense calling toward a specific adoptive route for their child.

The Bible has quite a bit to say regarding adoption and orphans. Here are some scriptures you might find interesting and inspiring:

• "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth the His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent for the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!' Therefore you are not longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ." (Galatians 4:4-7)

• "You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child. If you afflict them in any way and they cry at all to Me, I will surely hear their cry." (Exodus 22:22-23)

• "But You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief, to repay it by Your hand. The helpless commits himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless." (Psalm10:14)

• "A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation." (Psalm 68:5)

• "I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:18)

• "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27)

• "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." (Romans 8:15-16)

As a Christian, having received Jesus in my heart, I know much of my desire to adopt comes from the heart of God. Not everyone is called the way my husband and I were, but I do think we are all called to help those in need. I believe this is the initial drive and answer to why so many Christians are adopting.

Families.com has a section of blogs specifically related to adoption. I encourage you to check it out if you have interest.

Scripture references were quoted from the NKJV.

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rsbg (501) 14 Mar 2007 08:23 PM

great blog!