“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” — 1 John 3:1 (NIV)
A Love That Defies Natural Bonds
Love is often assumed to be instinctual—something that flows effortlessly between biological parents and children. But what about love that is chosen? Love that steps into brokenness and says, “You belong here”?
This is the love found in foster care and adoption. It’s a love that doesn’t rely on shared DNA but on something far deeper: the very heart of God.
In a world that often prioritizes blood ties, the Bible presents a radical truth—love is not confined to biology. God Himself models this through His adoption of us as His children. Whether you are a foster parent, an adoptive parent, a former foster youth, or someone supporting these families, this truth is your anchor: You are part of a divine story of redemption, written by a God who loves beyond natural bonds.
A Story of Chosen Love
The Moment Everything Changed
Sarah never expected to be a mother through adoption. She and her husband had struggled with infertility for years, and after countless prayers, they felt God leading them toward adoption.
When they first met five-year-old Micah, he was hesitant, guarded. His short life had been marked by instability—multiple homes, broken promises, and the unspoken fear that no one would stay.
The first night he spent in their home, Micah asked, “How long do I get to be here?” Sarah’s heart broke. She knelt beside him and said, “Forever. You’re our son now.”
Months later, as Micah began to trust, he would sometimes say, “I’m glad you picked me.” And Sarah would reply, “We’re the ones who are blessed.”
The Deeper Truth in Their Story
This is the miracle of chosen love—it doesn’t erase the past, but it rewrites the future. It says:
- “You are not defined by what you’ve lost but by the love that claims you.”
- “Family isn’t just who you’re born to—it’s who chooses you.”
This is the Gospel lived out in the everyday moments of foster care and adoption.
Biblical Reflection: God’s Heart for the Fatherless
1. Adoption Is at the Core of the Gospel
Before we ever loved God, He loved us—and He made us His children.
“In love, He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will.” — Ephesians 1:5 (NIV)
We were once spiritual orphans, separated from God by sin. But in Christ, we are fully adopted—given a new name, a new inheritance, and an unbreakable bond.
If you are fostering or adopting, you are mirroring this divine love. Every act of care, every moment of patience, echoes the heart of God.
2. Biblical Examples of Love Beyond Biology
- Moses (Exodus 2:10) – Rescued from the Nile, raised in Pharaoh’s house, yet chosen by God to deliver His people.
- Esther (Esther 2:7) – An orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, who became a queen God used to save Israel.
- Jesus (Matthew 1:24-25) – Joseph was not His biological father, yet he loved, protected, and raised Him as his own.
God has always worked through families formed by love, not just blood.
3. God’s Promise to the Fatherless
“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families.” — Psalm 68:5-6 (NIV)
This is His heart. He sees every child waiting for a home. He sees every foster or adoptive parent pouring out love. You are partnering with Him in a sacred work.
Encouragement for the Weary Heart
Foster care and adoption are beautiful, but they are also hard. You may face:
- Emotional exhaustion – Loving a child from trauma requires supernatural patience.
- Grief and loss – Even in joyful adoptions, there is often grief over what the child has endured.
- Doubts – “Am I doing enough? Can I really love them as my own?”
Here’s the Truth to Cling To:
1. You Are Not Alone – God doesn’t call you to this journey without walking with you. “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
2. Love Is a Process – Attachment takes time. Small moments of connection matter more than you realize.
3. Your Love Reflects Christ’s – Even when it’s hard, your faithfulness mirrors God’s relentless love for us.
Practical Steps for Foster and Adoptive Families
1. Build a Support System
- Connect with other foster/adoptive families.
- Let your church community help (meals, respite care, prayer).
- Seek counseling or trauma-informed parenting resources.
2. Speak Life Over Your Child
- Tell them often: “You are loved. You belong here.”
- Celebrate their unique story while affirming their place in your family.
3. Take Care of Your Own Heart
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Rest, seek God, and don’t neglect your own emotional health.
4. Trust God with the Outcome
Some placements are temporary; some are forever. Either way, your love leaves an eternal imprint.
Closing Prayer
“Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting us into Your family. Thank You for every foster and adoptive parent who reflects Your love. Strengthen them on the hard days. Fill their homes with Your peace. Help them love with patience, wisdom, and grace. Remind them that no act of love is wasted. Comfort the children who are waiting and bring them into loving families. May we all remember—family is not just about blood, but about love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
“Today, I choose love—not because it’s easy, but because God first loved me. My family is built on His faithfulness, not biology. His love is enough.”
To Every Foster/Adoptive Parent Reading This:
You are living out the Gospel. Keep going. He sees you. He sustains you. And your love changes eternity.