God's Love Is Proactive

“Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.” – Psalm 27:10.

When you hear the word adoption, most believers think in one of two ways. First, they are praying for a family that is thinking of adopting, or second, they are giving a love offering to help the state or local children’s home. These are good things to do. We should pray and we should help economically when we are able. But if that’s all orphan care is to us, then we have missed God’s perspective on adoption. 

Adoption was never plan B for God. It wasn’t an alternative solution. It was plan A. Before the universe existed, God had planned on adopting us into his family through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:5 says, “God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.”

God did not adopt us because of who we are or what we bring to the table. He adopted us because of His amazing mercy.

Ephesians 5:1 says, “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children”  God’s completely underserved mercy for us should compel us to mirror His adoptive love to a world in need. God’s love is proactive. In our fast paced world where we are bombarded with news and information constantly, we have become very reactive. That reaction can be building walls between what is happening and our lives. The question is are we building walls to separate ourself from those who need Jesus or are we building bridges of love to lead them to Him?” The only way I’ve seen to build bridges is to be proactive in sharing God’s love. Christian love is not based on loving people the way we want to be loved. It’s loving people the way God has loved us. He acted. He pursued. He showered grace on the sinner. This is the way we should look at adoption.

Obviously, not everyone is called to adopt, but every believer is called to act. That means not merely feeling sorry for orphans. Sentimentalism is no substitute for action. There are many ways we can help orphans in our area. We just need to seek God’s guidance where we can best help. How is He calling you to love the orphan today?

Discussion Questions

1. Adoption is who’s responsibility? Why do you feel that way?
2. How can we be more proactive in helping orphans in our area?
3. Pray and ask for guidance on how to get involved?