Throughout the Bible we are reminded of God’s heart for the vulnerable, and particularly those without a family to love and protect them. So how should this affect our outlook, and why should we care about adoption and fostering?
Because God cares about it
God is greatly interested and concerned for those who are without a family. He wants every person to be part of a loving and safe community. Many children who find themselves without one, have either lost, or have never experienced love and belonging. The Bible uses the words ‘fatherless’ and ‘orphans’ to describe this and clearly shows God’s heart and his intentions for us.
‘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
In the same way that God is able to restore and fill our need for a father and a place of safety, we too are called to demonstrate the love of God on earth. Children in care are some of the most vulnerable people in our society. Part of our mandate is to care for the vulnerable – to stand in the gap for those who are without an advocate, just as Jesus did and continues to do for us. The Church should be a pillar of strength and security. It should be a place, and a people that offer solace to those who have none. Imagine a world where people would seek Christians in times of hopelessness, because they have heard of their love and care. This is part of our worship, to defend those unable to defend themselves, and to seek justice on their behalf.
‘Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless.’
Isaiah 1:17
It is our story
This care and consideration is consistent with our own stories, if we have become Christians. Those of us who put our trust in Father God were once on the outside. We didn’t come with much to offer, but understood that we needed the acceptance and love of God. Jesus was willing to give up his life to protect, save and welcome all people. This was regardless of their status, their actions, or even how grateful or ungrateful they were, and still are. When we sing songs about having a place in the Father’s house, and Him preparing rooms for us, there is a tangible feeling of belonging and family. Do we extend the same welcoming grace to those in our society who need a place of safety? Have we ever considered preparing a room for children who haven’t got a space to call their own? God first loved us, and we need to learn how to soak in that truth and let it overflow to others in society.
‘For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will — to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.’
Ephesians 1:4-6
For inspiring testimonies and insightful information on the topic of fostering and adoption, listen to Kris Kandiah, CEO and founder of Home for Good, speak about his experience on our Praise programmes: part 1 and part 2.
