But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13; NASB).

There have been some spirited discussions here at AdoptionBlogs.com about the role of charity in adoption. In some versions of the Bible, the above passage is rendered, “faith, hope, charity” and if taken in that context, adoption is all about charity!

As one member eloquently expressed it, “My husband and I would not be in the process of adopting our little girl if we had not first - felt the desire to help children through fostering.”

In a previous post, I discussed how we are adopted by God. What was His motivation? Did He need subjects? He has the angels of Heaven. Acts 17 tells us:

The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things (Acts 17:24-25; NASB).

Thus, it is clear, God didn’t adopt us out of a need He had. He adopted us because He loved us, and knew that without Him, we are lost. That love He has for us enacted a plan to reunite us to Him, so that we could live with him forever in Heaven.

How does that thought translate to how we as humans adopt and what motivates us to do so? In very much the same way God does. We love. 1 John 4:19 says, “We love, because He first loved us.” It all starts with the love God placed in us at Creation. Genesis 1:26 says, “Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…” That love leads us to care for our fellow man. 1 John 4:7 says, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” How can we show that love? James 1:27 tells us, “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.”

Clearly, you must have a love of children if you wish to be an adoptive parent. Clearly, you must desire to expand your family. But, I know for me, though my husband and I had always wanted to adopt, and had even talked about it before our marriage, it wasn’t until I saw a post that tugged at my heartstrings about these particular children and their dire circumstances that I actually acted on that desire.

It’s very much like the start of any relationship. You don’t know the person. You just see the surface: what they look like or some-such thing. But then, you get to know them. You bond. You begin to love. That love makes you want to spend the rest of your life with that person. It is the same in adoption. And it is one way in which we manifest our love for God.

Do I love my children? A resounding “Yes!” I also love my God, and know that He placed this opportunity before me. He knew my heart – my love of children and my love of Him – and set to work to, “cause all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28; NASB)

For more on the role of charity in adoption see:

Jan Baker

Tana W.

Erin H.