Why Should Christians Adopt? The Old Testament contains more than 40 scriptures that show God's concern and compassion for orphans. God's people then and God's people now must care for this disenfranchised and neglected segment of society. Adoption is the most loving and permanent way to care for these little ones. Psalm 68:5-6a says about God, "A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families..."

Why Adopt?


Thousands and thousands of Christians across the country have been moved by God to adopt. In fact, America as a nation adopts more children than the rest of the world combined! Adoption is becoming more and more common, especially in the Church. But why should Christians consider adoption?

First, God is the creator of life. Every child, born and unborn, is created in His image and therefore has intrinsic worth! While the church has for many years championed the cause of the unborn through pro-life activity, it has not been nearly as supportive in finding homes for the newborn children of these crisis pregnancies. In fact, this is often one of the charges leveled by so-called pro-choice advocates! Adoption completes the cycle of a true pro-life position. If we are going to be pro-life, we must also be "pro-adoption!"

Second, adoption is good for a child. Through adoption a child gains the opportunity to live in a two-parent home with a loving mother and father. Through adoption these little ones are introduced to the loving embrace of Jesus Christ, affecting them for eternity. Practically speaking, adoptive homes are more likely to be stable, loving, and economically secure than the average home. Adoption gives a child an outstanding opportunity for success in life!

Third, adoption is good for the birth mother. The damage done to women through abortion is truly horrible. Post-abortion stress syndrome affects tens of thousand of women, making them vulnerable to many physical and psychological illnesses. But worse than these problems is the weight of guilt that many women bear for years due to the taking of the life of their unborn child. Studies show that birth fathers suffer many of the same difficulties. By making adoption more common, more women will choose to place their children into the permanent embrace of a loving Christian home.

Finally, adoption is good for the adoptive family. Parenting is a very strong and God-given desire for most couples. Yet many cannot conceive. In addition, many older couples are choosing to raise a "second family" after their biological children have left the house. These couples have a tremendous capacity of love and strongly desire to become adoptive parents. They are committed to giving a child a loving and permanent home through adoption.

When Christians adopt we demonstrate love to the watching world. We show love not only in word, but also in action. When we adopt, we choose to give our life away. After all, adoption is expensive; it is inconvenient; and finally, it lasts a lifetime! Why would we do this? Very simple: "We love because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19). Isn't it is time for Christians to realize that our lives are not our own?

Now is the time for the Church to rise up and take seriously the Biblical mandate of James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress..."

More and more followers of Christ are choosing to adopt. They do so carefully and intentionally after counsel and much prayer. It is not an easy decision for many believers, but it is very often the right decision. Jesus says, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these my brothers you did it for me." (Matthew 25:40).