As I’ve immersed myself in information about adoption, some things have caught me off guard. For instance, it never occurred to me that people might be opposed to adoption. I honestly never would have thought that some people are adamantly against adoption of any kind. Not that I think all adoptive parents are noble, or even that I think that we are noble. We aren’t, we just want to be parents and provide a safe and loving home to a child who needs one. But, it should be said to anyone who wants to adopt or has considered it that there are organized groups out there (I won’t give credence to them by mentioning names or websites) that oppose adoption- some even to the point of making statements that indicate abortion would be better than placing these babies up for adoption.
I was shocked. I only mention this, because honestly, I would have much preferred learning about such people and websites from a safe, pro-adoption zone like my blog here rather than stumbling upon them blindly and feeling completely dejected and disillusioned. Some of the statements can be very discouraging. So, learn from me, take my word for it. Don’t go searching, it’ll only act as a depressing set back in your adoption journey.
That being said, I’d love to propose the questions: Is adoption Biblical? What does Scripture have to say about adoption? How does adoption fit into God’s plan for our lives and our families? I’d like to share some passages of Scripture with you briefly that have provided me with comfort in knowing that God is behind this plan of adoption.
The story of baby Moses in the reeds (found in Exodus 1-2) is perhaps the most well-known example of adoption in the Bible. However, another story of adoption stands out in the Gospels, and that is the story of Jesus himself. Jesus Christ is the son of God, born of the virgin Mary, and cared for on earth by Joseph. Joseph is often not a central focus in Bible studies, but in a study relating to adoption, he must not be left out. Joseph had no blood ties to Jesus, and was not yet legally married to Mary at the time of her miraculous conception, and yet he raised Jesus as his own son. He taught him his personal trade, carpentry. In Biblical times, crafts and trades were a learned profession passed down from father to son in an apprenticeship-type situation. Joseph trained his adopted son Jesus in his own skill, passing down a treasured trade that would not only keep his memory alive in the work and craftsmanship of his son, but would also create a tie between the two of them that had nothing to do with blood.
The writer of the book of James has this to say about caring for those without homes and families:
“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” James 1:27
In his praise of the Lord, the psalmist wrote, “Father to the fatherless, defender of widows — this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families.” Psalms 68:5-6
One of the wise proverbs says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” Proverbs 31:8-9
Jesus Christ, who famously welcomed children to run to him and visit with him said, “And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.” Matthew 18:5
And this verse creates a line of thought for me: “You are the helper of the fatherless. LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may oppress no more.” Psalms 10:14,17-18
In this particular verse, much like the others I have also cited, the concept of God as our Father strongly shines through. Throughout Scripture, the theme of adoption runs thick, and one cannot deny the connection between adoption and salvation. When we are saved, we are welcomed into Christ’s eternal family, sanctified by his holy blood and forever united as adopted brothers and sisters in Christ, regardless of denomination. God’s Kingdom is made up of an eclectic blend of sinners, and when we join this motley crew, we have joined in one big adopted family. As the psalmist says, God is the helper to the fatherless, the protector of widows and orphans, whose heart is open to the children who are in need and turn to him.
So then, if we are called to do as Christ does, and love as Christ loves, are we not then called to also care for the children without families? I’m not saying every family is called to adopt. Some are not. However, to the people who wonder if adoption is within God’s plan for us, or wonder how adoption fits into God’s plan for our lives, I would offer these Scripture references and say that adoption is absolutely part of God’s plan for us, because adoption is based on love that transcends blood ties. I believe very soundly that the God who calls us to love and care for all people would also call us to love children as our own who are not born to us. There is no race but the human race, and we have been created to love others, and that is what adoption is about.
Kat
Love Makes A Family {by mommyponders} 
I wish I could say I was as shocked as you were to find anti-adoption groups twisting God’s word, but nothing surprises me anymore. I’m just so glad that you know the scriptures well enough to know they are fools.
I think that a lot of people find it easier to ignore God’s word and make up things they then use to criticize others then to actually read God’s word. When I run into them I wonder if they are part of the group that will He spoke of when He says that someday people will cry out to Him saying they taught in His name, but He says He knew them not.
I am excited to meet my next grandchild. He/She will be getting a wonderful family, and a wonderful family will be getting a wonderful gift from God.
I highly recommend this song to all of you working to share your love with a child. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZfJP4KpnHU
Beautiful, thought-provoking post. All I have to contribute is a story.
I know an adopted girl who loved the story of Moses. She decided she wanted a baby brother. Her adoptive mother told her that she could talk to God about that. So the little girl prayed to God and asked for a baby brother.
Not so long after, the telephone rang. It was an adoption agency asking the adoptive mother if she would like to adopt a little boy who had been living in the newborn nursery since his birth, almost one month prior.
The sweet little girl got the brother she prayed for. When they played together, she put him in a basket and pretended she found him in the river. He was her Baby Moses.
That adopted littled girl was my sister-in-law. Her adoptive mother was my mother-in-law. Baby Moses is the father of two of my children.
Mother-in-law and Sis-in-law have both passed away but their legacy…and their faith is very much alive.
Dawn, thank you for that beautiful story. It’s very applicable to my post. I love hearing when adoptions go well, and when adoptees are happy. Of course, adoptive parents aren’t perfect, and we can’t pretend to be, but so many of us have a heart for babies who need a home and who need to be loved. I’m very glad to hear that your mother-in-law had such an open heart to adoption, and to pursuing God’s guidance in their adoption decisions. That’s the way to go. Thank you for stopping by, and God bless.
Kat