I. DEFINITIONS<\/p>\n
A. What Is Adoption?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Adoption is the legal process of placing an infant or child with a nonbiological parent. In common terms, adoption is taking a child not born to you into your heart and home and making that child your own.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Adoption is also the process of placing an adult under the care of a nonbiological parent for the primary purpose of passing on an inheritance.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Adoption is designed by God to meet the very real needs of those whom He created.<\/p>\n
\u201cGod sets the lonely in families.\u201d
\n(Psalm 68:6)<\/p>\n
B. What Are Two Avenues of Adoption?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Agency adoption
\n\u2014 Public agencies are licensed by the state and funded by taxes.
\n\u2014 Private agencies are licensed by the state and funded by private organizations.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Independent adoption
\n\u2014 \u201cGray Market\u201d adoption refers to a legal private adoption that is funded by the adoptive parents and processed by lawyers to insure legality.
\n\u2014 \u201cBlack Market\u201d adoption refers to an illegal private adoption funded by adoptive parents and usually involves excessive payments of money. Extreme cases can involve falsification of information and stolen babies.<\/p>\n
Do not allow yourself or those you love to be involved in an illegal adoption. The Bible says,<\/p>\n
\u201cThe integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.\u201d
\n(Proverbs 11:3)<\/p>\n
C. What Are Two Types of Adoption?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Closed adoption is a legal arrangement in which records are sealed and there is only initial contact through an agency or lawyer.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Open adoption is an adoption relationship in which both the birth parents and the adoptive parents meet, exchange information and have the option of ongoing contact.<\/p>\n
Why Opt for Open Adoption?
\n\u2014 begins from a position of honesty
\n\u2014 gives children the right to know their personal background
\n\u2014 allows the adoptive parents to have access to information
\n\u2014 helps to alleviate the child\u2019s fear of \u201cnot belonging\u201d
\n\u2014 allows children to focus on growing up because they have knowledge of their background
\n\u2014 prevents the emotional lifelong search for \u201cWho am I?\u201d
\n\u2014 eliminates the child\u2019s fear of the reason for his\/her adoption
\n\u2014 demonstrates genuine, sacrificial love!<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no fear in love.
\nBut perfect love drives out fear.\u201d
\n(1 John 4:18)<\/p>\n
II. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EXPECTANT MOTHER\u2019S ATTITUDES ABOUT ADOPTION<\/p>\n
Adoption is often the highest expression of love because it reflects God\u2019s relationship with all who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. True Christians are \u201cadopted\u201d into the family of God.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.\u201d
\n(Ephesians 1:5)<\/p>\n
A. What Does an Expectant Mother Need to Know about Adoption?<\/p>\n
An expectant mother with an unwanted pregnancy needs to know this:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Adoption can provide the most stable environment for her baby.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Adoption can be an answer to prayer for countless childless couples.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Adoption is biblical\u2014Moses was adopted.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Adoption agreements include provision that all birth expenses be paid by others.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Adoption offers peace to birth mothers who realize that their babies will be raised in a loving home.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Adoption gives many birth mothers the opportunity to get an education and a job and to marry at some future time.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Adoption (open adoption) allows the child\u2019s mother to have meaningful contact with her child and with the adoptive family at agreed upon times.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Adoption can be the greatest gift of sacrificial love by a birth mother on behalf of her child.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Adoption is often the answer to the question, \u201cWhat is in the child\u2019s best interest?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEach of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.\u201d
\n(Philippians 2:4)<\/p>\n
B. What Is in the Child\u2019s Best Interest?<\/p>\n
The welfare of every child must be the first and foremost consideration for everyone involved when a child is about to be born into the world. When there is an unwanted pregnancy, always ask, \u201cIs adoption in the child\u2019s best interest?\u201d<\/p>\n
QUESTION: \u201cMy boyfriend and I are in high school, and I\u2019m expecting a baby. He says he is not ready to get married, but he wants me to move in with him. What should I do?\u201d<\/p>\n
ANSWER: A boy who only wants to \u201cplay house\u201d with you cannot provide the right kind of home for you and your baby. If he is not willing to marry you and if you would have difficulty providing for your child alone, ask if he would be willing to sign over his parental rights so that this child can be adopted by a loving, mature couple \u2026 a husband and a wife who can love and provide for a child. For both of you, this would be a true act of love for your baby.<\/p>\n
\u201c[Love] is not self-seeking.\u201d (1 Corinthians 13:5)<\/p>\n
QUESTION: \u201cI\u2019m sixteen, pregnant and not married. I feel I\u2019m mature enough to raise my child. If I think I can do it, shouldn\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n
ANSWER: Just because you can do something doesn\u2019t mean you should do it. If you really are mature, you will choose what is best for your child. The best home for a child is one with \u2026
\n\u2014 a two-parent home with both a father and a mother
\n\u2014 a loving, committed marriage
\n\u2014 a secure \u201cnest\u201d that provides time and finances for nurturing<\/p>\n
Since you don\u2019t have a mature, committed marriage, pray that your heart will be open to the option of adoption. The greatest expression of your love might be to allow your child to be raised by two parents who have earnestly prayed and prepared themselves to raise a child in their home. The Bible emphasizes the vital involvement of both parents.<\/p>\n
\u201cListen, my son, to your father\u2019s instruction and do not forsake your mother\u2019s teaching.\u201d (Proverbs 1:8)<\/p>\n
QUESTION: \u201cMy husband and I went through the process of in vitro fertilization. We just had precious twins. Although we have three more frozen embryos, my husband now says he doesn\u2019t want any more children. Morally, what should we do?\u201d<\/p>\n
ANSWER: You are involved in an ethical decision that still affords you several positive options. Instead of terminating the three little lives of your making, you have better choices.
\n\u2014 Wait! Becoming a new parent is a major adjustment\u2014especially as a parent of twins. After a period of time, he may want more children.
\n\u2014 Investigate the option of adoption. Through another couple, you could offer your offspring the possibility of life. Other couples could be greatly blessed with children because you value the sanctity of life.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have set before you life and death.\u2026 Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.\u201d (Deuteronomy 30:19)<\/p>\n
III. CAUSES OF DIFFICULTY IN ADOPTIVE FAMILIES<\/p>\n
A. Surface Traps for Troubled Relationships<\/p>\n
Do you remember ever walking down a path in the fall of the year and stumbling because of some unseen hole covered by leaves? You didn\u2019t see the trap that caused you trouble. Adoptive parents need to recognize their likely traps and then preplan how to handle those traps so as to avoid a fracture in the family.<\/p>\n
\u201cFree me from the trap that is set for me,
\nfor you are my refuge.\u201d
\n(Psalm 31:4)<\/p>\n
Traits and other inherited differences<\/p>\n
\u2022 Lack of physical resemblance
\n\u2022 Blaming the genes for personality disorders
\n\u2022 Insufficient knowledge of medical background<\/p>\n
Rigid or relaxed discipline<\/p>\n
\u2022 (Too rigid) Parent fears too much love will make the child irresponsible.
\n\u2022 (Too relaxed) Parent fears discipline will turn the child away.
\n\u2022 Too much or too little discipline produces bitterness in a child.<\/p>\n
Afraid of rejection<\/p>\n
\u2022 Both the parents and the child become convinced that they are not wanted by each other.
\n\u2022 Both fear lack of bonding.<\/p>\n
Perfectionistic expectations<\/p>\n
\u2022 Myth of instant love
\n\u2022 Myth of the ideal family
\n\u2022 Myth of the perfect child<\/p>\n
Sealed records (closed adoption)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Information about birth parents is not available.
\n\u2022 Secrecy promotes fear and insecurity.<\/p>\n
QUESTION: \u201cI was told that my birth mother loved me so much she gave me up for adoption. Since the Bible says God loves me, does that mean God will give me up also?\u201d<\/p>\n
ANSWER: No. Your birth mother loved you enough to want what was best for you. When circumstances do not offer the stability and security that every child needs, a mother can choose for those needs to be met in a home that will provide a stable, nurturing environment. However, your heavenly Father Himself is more than adequate to provide you with stability, security and everlasting love. He promises He will never separate you from His love and never\u2014under any circumstances\u2014leave you nor forsake you.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.\u201d (Deuteronomy 31:8)<\/p>\n
B. Why the Fear of Failure?<\/p>\n
Why do many adoptive parents feel like failures? A major reason is the feeling of inadequacy because of their own involuntary childlessness. And for those in adoptive homes, insensitive statements from family and friends simply compound the problem. If only there would be the sense of total acceptance! Acceptance would replace those feelings of fear of failure. If only this charge from God\u2019s Word would be applied by everyone touched by adoption!<\/p>\n
\u201cAccept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.\u201d
\n(Romans 15:7)<\/p>\n
FEELINGS \u2026
\nTHE ADOPTIVE PARENT IS \u2026
\nTHE ADOPTED CHILD IS \u2026<\/p>\n
Fear
\n\u2022 afraid of being rejected by the adopted child
\n\u2022 afraid of being rejected by the adoptive parents
\nAnxiety
\n\u2022 embarrassed over what others say
\n\u2022 embarrassed over what others say
\nIsolation
\n\u2022 feeling different from other families
\n\u2022 feeling different from other children
\nLoss
\n\u2022 unable to have natural children
\n\u2022 unable to live with birth parents
\nUncertainty
\n\u2022 wondering, Will the birth parents want the child back?
\n\u2022 wondering, Will I ever really know my birth parents?
\nRejection
\n\u2022 feeling rejected by God because of not having a birth child
\n\u2022 feeling rejected by the birth parents
\nEmbitterment
\n\u2022 angry and bitter at God
\n\u2022 angry and bitter at God<\/p>\n
Although adoption can have more than its fair share of difficulties, the Bible says,<\/p>\n
\u201cSee to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.\u201d
\n(Hebrews 12:15)<\/p>\n
QUESTION: \u201cI was adopted as a baby. Although I\u2019m a Christian and my adoptive parents are wonderful, I\u2019m bitter because I\u2019ve always felt different. Can you help me?\u201d<\/p>\n
ANSWER: Keep in mind that Jesus was also different\u2014technically adopted by His earthly father, Joseph. Jesus was a product of His mother, Mary, and the Holy Spirit. Luke 1:35 states, \u201cThe Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.\u201d Although Jesus was different, He continued to submit His will to the will of God the Father. And in order to be Christlike, accept the fact that you are adopted and trust that God knows exactly how to use this difference in your life.<\/p>\n
\u201cForget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.\u201d (Isaiah 43:18\u201319)<\/p>\n
C. Root Cause for Difficulty with Adoption<\/p>\n
WRONG BELIEF:<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the deepest part of my heart, I really believe that adoption is a second best solution.\u201d<\/p>\n
RIGHT BELIEF:<\/p>\n
Although adoption may be my second choice, it is not second best. Adoption is a picture of God\u2019s unconditional acceptance of me, and I know God has a special purpose for the circumstances of my life.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will\u2014to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.\u201d (Ephesians 1:5\u20136)<\/p>\n
IV. STEPS TO SOLUTION<\/p>\n
Adoption can be the means by which two negative situations join hands to make a positive. On the one hand, a woman is in a negative predicament, struggling with an unwanted pregnancy. She knows she is not in a position to give her baby the security and stability needed. On the other hand, an infertile couple has a negative plight: they cannot conceive a child. But adoption is an optimal solution that meets both needs. As they both join hands, these two negatives become a positive!<\/p>\n
A. Key Verses to Memorize<\/p>\n
\u201cForget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.\u201d
\n(Isaiah 43:18\u201319)<\/p>\n
B. Key Passage to Read and Reread<\/p>\n
\u201cFor you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, \u2018Abba, Father.\u2019 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God\u2019s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs\u2014heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.\u201d
\n(Romans 8:15\u201318)<\/p>\n
C. Should You Consider Adopting a Child?<\/p>\n
\u2022 Don\u2019t Adopt \u2026
\n\u2014 if you secretly feel that an adopted child is second best to having a birth child
\n\u2014 if you are looking for a child to fill your emotional needs
\n\u2014 if you feel it is your moral duty to help a homeless child
\n\u2014 if you are seeking your identity through parenting
\n\u2014 if you fear dealing with inherited weaknesses
\n\u2014 if you cannot talk openly and honestly about the adoption
\n\u2014 if you and your spouse are not in complete agreement about the adoption
\n\u2014 if you are attempting to save your marriage
\n\u2014 if you have unrealistic expectations of yourself and others
\n\u2014 if you are uneasy about the biological history being revealed<\/p>\n
\u201cAll a man\u2019s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.\u201d
\n(Proverbs 21:2)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Do Adopt \u2026
\n\u2014 if you are willing to pursue only a legal adoption
\n\u2014 if you have a happy, stable marriage that is flexible enough to include another person
\n\u2014 if you can truly love and accept a child who is not born to you
\n\u2014 if you and your spouse are ready for a lifelong commitment to love a child sacrificially
\n\u2014 if you are realistically prepared to accept the bad times along with the good times
\n\u2014 if you and your spouse believe adoption is God\u2019s will for you
\n\u2014 if you are prepared for tension you may experience if you conceive a child after adopting
\n\u2014 if you can accept the child\u2019s failures and imperfections
\n\u2014 if you can accept possible rejection and can wait patiently for love and acceptance
\n\u2014 if you have an understanding of godly discipline for children<\/p>\n
\u201cBy wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established.\u201d
\n(Proverbs 24:3)<\/p>\n
D. Telling a Child about Adoption<\/p>\n
\u2022 Why should we tell our child?
\n\u2014 Adoption is good; therefore, positive attitudes about adoption should be developed early.
\n\u2014 The older a child is, the harder adoption is to accept.
\n\u2014 Being truthful reinforces the values of honesty and trust.
\n\u2014 When a child is told early in life, adoption becomes an accepted part of family life.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.\u201d
\n(Proverbs 10:21)<\/p>\n
\u2022 What should we tell our child?
\n\u2014 Develop positive attitudes involving warmth, comfort, pleasure, security and love in association with the word adoption.
\n\u2014 Begin setting the stage with adoption stories, as well as with the child\u2019s own personal story.
\n\u2014 Explain the details of the story and answer all questions honestly.
\n\u2014 Be prepared to talk about emotions and feelings when your child initiates conversations or when you sense special opportunities.
\n\u2014 Watch your wording of adoptive terms.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t Say: \u201cYou were an illegitimate child.\u201d
\nSay: \u201cYou were born to unmarried parents.\u201d<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t Say: \u201cThey gave you up.\u201d
\nSay: \u201cThey looked for the right home for you through adoption.\u201d<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t Say: \u201cShe is your natural mother.\u201d
\nSay: \u201cShe is your birth mother.\u201d<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t Say: \u201cHe is your real father.\u201d
\nSay: \u201cHe is your biological father.\u201d<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t Say: \u201cYou were put up for adoption.\u201d
\nSay: \u201cYou were placed in our home and joined our family through adoption.\u201d<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t Say: \u201cMy adopted child.\u201d
\nSay: \u201cMy child.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cReckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.\u201d
\n(Proverbs 12:18)<\/p>\n
\u2022 When should we tell our child?<\/p>\n
\u20140\u20133 Years During your child\u2019s infancy and toddler years, begin using the word adoption in a loving way.<\/p>\n
\u20143\u20135 Years During your child\u2019s early years, begin talking about the child\u2019s personal adoption.<\/p>\n
\u20145\u20138 Years Continue the dialogue during early school years, and be prepared to answer all your child\u2019s questions honestly.<\/p>\n
\u20148\u201312 Years Draw out feelings and emotions during the preteen years, and help your child understand the past. Be accepting of the child\u2019s differences.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.\u201d
\n(Proverbs 16:21)<\/p>\n
E. Questions from Birth Mothers<\/p>\n
REBUILDING A RELATIONSHIP<\/p>\n
How do you rebuild a relationship with your grown child whom you allowed to be adopted? The answer is simple: with perseverance and prayer! The Bible says,<\/p>\n
\u201cPray continually.\u201d
\n(1 Thessalonians 5:17)<\/p>\n
QUESTION: \u201cHow can I help my adult daughter who is emotionally tormented? I gave her up at birth, and she is reluctant to see me?\u201d<\/p>\n
ANSWER: Rebuilding a relationship can be difficult, but in the end, rewarding. Take these beginning steps.
\n\u2014 First, ask the forgiveness of your daughter for any wrong choices you made in the past that have impacted her life.<\/p>\n
Say, \u201cWhen I agreed to allow you to be adopted, I truly believed it was in your best interest. I realize that you life has been profoundly affected by that decision. I am asking you to forgive me for any way in which you feel I have wronged you and for any attitude of mine you perceive as hurtful.\u201d
\n\u2014 Follow by asking, \u201cHow have I hurt you?\u201d Listen and don\u2019t be defensive.
\n\u2014 Then ask again, \u201cWould you be willing to forgive me?\u201d
\n\u2014 If she says something casual like, \u201cOh, that\u2019s okay,\u201d explain that your actions were not okay and that it would mean a great deal to you if she would forgive you.<\/p>\n
Forgiveness often begins the process of healing. If she refuses to forgive you, assure her that you understand that forgiveness is often difficult and that you will pray, for the benefit of both of you, that she will in time be able to forgive you. The Bible says,<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.\u201d (Matthew 5:23\u201324)<\/p>\n
QUESTION: \u201cHow can I connect with my grown daughter whom I gave up for adoption and have only recently met? She now has little children of her own.\u201d<\/p>\n
ANSWER: There are many ways you can show that you care about her. For example, to begin reconnecting with her, consider these suggestions.
\n\u2014 Send her cards and letters on a regular basis.
\n\u2014 Invest spiritually in her by praying for her and her family daily.
\n\u2014 Send meaningful items that can minister to her and to her family. Go to a local Christian bookstore and purchase children\u2019s books, music and videos to send to your grandchildren on a regular basis throughout the year.<\/p>\n
Regardless of your daughter\u2019s response to you, remain consistent in your efforts to maintain contact. Don\u2019t focus on what you do or don\u2019t get back from her. Focus on giving rather than on receiving. Remember the Lord Jesus Himself said,<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is more blessed to give than to receive.\u201d (Acts 20:35)<\/p>\n
F. Have You Been Adopted into the Family of God?<\/p>\n
Everyone wants and needs security. Lasting security begins with God. From the beginning of creation, God\u2019s plan was to adopt you into His spiritual family. The Bible makes it clear, \u201cHe predestined us to be adopted\u201d (Ephesians 1:5). Even now, He wants you to be secure in His love\u2014secure in the hope that you will be with Him in heaven forever. He wants to be your true heavenly Father.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry \u2018Abba, Father.\u2019 \u201d
\n(Romans 8:15)<\/p>\n
FOUR TRUTHS LEADING TO YOUR ADOPTION INTO GOD\u2019S FAMILY<\/p>\n
#1 Your Problem\u2014Sin keeps you from being adopted into God\u2019s family.<\/p>\n
The Bible says that we all have sinned. Not one of us is perfect. We have all willfully chosen to go our own way instead of God\u2019s way.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.\u201d (Romans 3:23)<\/p>\n
#2 Your Position\u2014Your sin separates you from God.<\/p>\n
God is perfect\u2014He is without sin. And because of His perfection, He requires perfection of all who come into His family. But, because we are not perfect, we cannot earn the right to become children of God. The consequence or penalty of our sins is separation from God.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour iniquities [sins] have separated you from your God.\u201d (Isaiah 59:2)<\/p>\n
#3 Your Provision\u2014God provided the way for you to be adopted into His family.<\/p>\n
God the Father sent His own Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins\u2014a penalty that you should have paid. And Jesus, who is God (God the Son), did not want you to be separated from Him. That is why He left heaven, came to earth, lived a perfect life and died on the cross as your substitute in order to save you from being eternally separated from Him.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.\u201d (Romans 5:8)<\/p>\n
#4 Your Part\u2014You need to receive Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior.<\/p>\n
By trusting that Christ died as your substitute and by yielding your will to His will, you are forgiven for all your sins. And when God forgives you for all your sins, you are saved from that eternal separation! In fact, the heavenly Father adopts you as His very own child and gives you eternal life with Him in heaven.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo all who received him [Jesus] \u2026 he [the Father] gave the right to become children of God.\u201d (John 1:12)<\/p>\n
You have a choice to yield control of your life to Christ\u2014to the One who loves you and knows all about your past, present and future. If you open your heart to Him, you will see that He has a personalized plan that includes not only His purpose for creating you, but also His promise to fulfill you \u2026 to satisfy the deepest hunger of your heart.<\/p>\n
If you desire to be adopted into God\u2019s family, you can tell Him in a simple prayer.<\/p>\n
\u201cGod, deep within my being, I need security\u2014a lasting security that only You can provide. I admit that I have sinned and that because of my sins, I deserve to be punished. Jesus, thank You for taking the penalty for my sins and for dying in my place. Right now I receive You as my personal Lord and Saviour. I give You control of my life. Come into my life and make me the person You created me to be. And God, thank You for loving me, thank You for forgiving me, thank You for adopting me into Your family. In Jesus\u2019 name I pray. Amen.\u201d<\/p>\n
If you sincerely prayed this prayer, then \u2026<\/p>\n
Welcome to the Family of God!<\/p>\n
\u201cHow great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!\u201d
\n(1 John 3:1)<\/p>\n
G. Understand God\u2019s Concept of Adoptive Love<\/p>\n
\u2022 Adoptive Love is \u2026
\n\u2014Selective It makes a conscious decision to love.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.\u201d (Ephesians 1:5)
\n\u2014Extensive It extends beyond family bloodlines.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.\u201d (John 3:16)
\n\u2014Creative It provides a new identity.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!\u201d (2 Corinthians 5:17)
\n\u2014Legal It includes the guarantee of a child\u2019s inheritance.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow if we are children, then we are heirs\u2014heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.\u201d (Romans 8:17)
\n\u2014Redemptive It gives freedom to the one in fear or bondage.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.\u201d (Romans 8:15)<\/p>\n
LEGACY OF AN ADOPTED CHILD<\/p>\n
Once there were two women
\nWho never knew each other.
\nOne you do not remember;
\nThe other you call mother.<\/p>\n
One gave you emotions;
\nThe other calmed your fears.
\nOne saw your first sweet smile;
\nThe other dried your tears.<\/p>\n
One gave you up;
\nIt was all that she could do.
\nThe other prayed for a child;
\nAnd God led her straight to you.<\/p>\n
And now you ask me through your tears,
\nThe age old question through the years:
\nHeredity or environment, which are you a product of?
\nNeither my darling, neither\u2014
\nJust two different kinds of love.<\/p>\n
\u2014Author unknown<\/p>\n
Adoption should never be thought of as second best. Adoption is God\u2019s choice for placing every believer into His family. God did not have to adopt you. He chose to adopt you.
\n\u2014June Hunt<\/p>\n
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION\u00ae. NIV\u00ae.
\nCopyright \u00a9 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n
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@book{Hunt_2008,
\nplace={Dallas, TX},
\ntitle={Biblical Counseling Keys on Adoption: A Child Born in the Heart},
\npublisher={Hope For The Heart},
\nauthor={Hunt, June},
\nyear={2008}}<\/p>\n
Exportiert aus Verbum, 15:45 14. Februar 2019.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I. DEFINITIONS A. What Is Adoption? \u2022 Adoption is the legal process of placing an infant or child with a nonbiological parent. In common terms, adoption is taking a child not born to you into your heart and home and making that child your own. \u2022 Adoption is also the process of placing an adult … <\/p>\n