In light of the many thousands of neglected, abandoned, and starving children in need of stable homes, there are palpable and important benefits of adoption. At risk of repeating a tired cliche, what do you think Jesus would do if faced with the choice of having his own children versus taking children in from the street and adopting them as his own? After all, according to Matthew 1:18, Jesus was adopted by Joseph and without him would have been raised fatherless and solely by Mary.
 
Many women, more than ever in recorded history, are making the decision to not bear their own children. The list as to why is long but may include the desire to focus on their career, not feeling secure in their romantic relationship, being barren, or are uninterested in the idea of motherhood. However, the choice to not have children is not synonymous with not building a family. Adopting a child is a viable option for many Christian Americans that have been blessed with prosperity and open hearts.

Reasons to Adopt

Throughout the bible, there are many references to the difference of the wealthy and the truly rich. Although the rich men are not condemned for having riches, it is those who hoard those riches and do not share it with the impoverished who will suffer in this life. If you have more than what you need, consider sharing that wealth with a child that has nothing — a family, food, clothes, or otherwise.
 
The world’s current population is exponentially growing and will only continue to rise. Overpopulation creates a domino effect of catastrophe. Natural resources are stretched thin, which causes stress on already poverty-stricken areas of the world. Orphanages are overflowing in Eastern Europe, a phenomenon commonly seen in all areas of the world (including the United States). This is largely due to natural disasters, epidemics, or poverty, causing children to seek refuge after losing their parents.
 
By opening your home and your heart to these children, you are enriching your life by sharing your riches with those that need it most. You may have had children of your own and feel that you still have much love to give. It can not only be a rewarding experience for yourself but a valuable lesson to your children as well.

Pregnancy Verses Adoption Process

There are many resources for natural mothers that aid in leading them through a healthy and fulfilling childbirth process, and you can use these resources yourself, especially if you are using the open adoption process. The church and your family will support you throughout your pregnancy. Alternatively, the adoption process, however you find yourself walking that road, can feel stressful and complicated along the way.
 
This is not to say that childbirth is easy. It comes with its risks, and it is also not available to every woman. Pregnancy takes a toll on the body but also creates a biological connection that you have with your child before they are even born. Although you may not have known your child since conception, that feeling of connection is still obtainable with an adopted child.
 
Some immediate resources for those that are looking to adopt within the United States is to connect with a social worker and/or an adoption agent in their area. If you have decided to open your heart and arms to a child, be prepared for a lengthy process which can feel personally invasive at times. If you ever feel emotionally unsettled by the process, remember: It is for the benefit of the child. It is the responsibility of the adoption agency and the social worker, who you will be assigned later, to ensure the safety and health of the foster child or adoptee.

When Family Members Adopt Relatives

Children that are born to parents that are either unprepared, unwilling, or unfit to raise a child are the true victims who suffer. Although it may not been what grandparents had in mind of how they would spend their later years, raising their grandchildren can be fulfilling. For other family members, such as aunts and uncles that never intended to have children, adopting their niece or nephew may be the path that God wanted them to find. It is most ideal for relatives of such children to step in to adopt and raise them, whenever possible.
 
Sharing blood with the children who are adopted creates a link that not all adoptees are lucky enough to have. A relative not only gives the gift of a loving home, but also offers the ability to learn more about their family heritage and to learn family stories. Stories are what make us and connect us to others. Without knowing the stories of your ancestors, there is a possibility of feeling a gaping hole — a sense of disconnection and isolation all throughout your life.
 
When considering if adoption is right for you and your family, ask yourself what Jesus would like to see you do for a child in need. Not everyone is in a position to financially adopt a child, but if it is your calling, you will find a way to walk that path. If you are still oscillating, read the Sermon on the Mount to give you a deeper perspective into which path Jesus would like for you to follow.