Every November here at Grace Church, we celebrate National Adoption Month. As Christians, the concept of adoption reminds us of how we were once spiritually destitute, clothed with nothing but our sin, and destined to eternal death until God, in His great love toward us, stretched out His arms and adopted us, gave us eternal life, and brought us into His household forever. Galatians 4:5 says that God sent Jesus, “so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive adoption as sons.” What a glorious truth! In an instant, God saved us and transferred us from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son (Colossians 1:13). Now, as children of God, we are heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ. We have been given access to a future glory so marvelous that it cannot be compared with the sufferings of this present time (Romans 8:17–18). Indeed, despite all our sin and the sufferings of this world, Christians have an unshakable hope as God’s children that we will one day be with Him, free from all pain, suffering, and sin.
However, National Adoption Month is not simply a time to remember our spiritual adoption; this month exists to make us aware that there are countless children all over the world, the United States, and even here in Los Angeles that are in need of loving homes. Sometimes children are made orphans by the unexpected death of their parents, but in our country, children often become orphans because their parents are incapable or unwilling to care for them.
In light of the precious reality of our own adoption, we ought to consider how we can demonstrate to others in tangible ways the grace we have been shown. For some of us, the effect of that grace should cause us to consider whether the Lord would have us receive these unwanted children as our own sons and daughters, just as our Father has made us His.
Some may be eager and able to serve in this way. If that is you, our Local Outreach Department would love to help you think through that process. For others, in God’s providence, adoption may not be possible. If this is your situation, you may still be able to come alongside those who are able to adopt—to pray for them, to serve them throughout the process, and perhaps even to support them financially.
Whether through adoption or by serving families who adopt, the church ought to be a picture of the gospel by leading the charge in serving children who do not yet have a family. In a world that forsakes children, the adopted sons and daughters of God should be those most eager to love them.
As a ministry of our Local Outreach Department, Hands for Hope exists as a support base for those new to adoption and foster care, as well as a loving network for families who understand the experience. For more information, contact Hands for Hope at 818-909-5721 or handsforhope@gracechurch.org.