Adopted

Adopted

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.

“I NEEDED TO TELL YOU because I wanted you to be able to make this decision, fully informed,” my very sweet friend, who also happens to be an attorney, stated one day over the phone.

“Okay,” I responded, waiting for her to continue.

“When you adopt a child, you are placing them firmly in your family. They now have the same standing as any of your biological children would have. They have the same access to any rights or privileges being in your family would provide and any inheritance upon your death. According to the law there is no difference between biological or adopted children.”

“I understand,” I said with a smile. “That is exactly what we want.”

“I figured you did,” she responded. “But I just wanted you to have all the information.”

I smiled as I hung up the phone. My friend loves me and is always looking out for me, and I appreciate her wisdom. As the days passed by, I thought more about her words and how they do not just relate to adoption among people, but adoption with God as well.

I love that God decided to adopt us, giving us the same standing as all of his children. There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female according to Galatians 3:28. We all have the same rights and privileges as God’s children. We are fully a part of his family. Entitled to all of the inheritance he has for us. And the best news? He didn’t do it because he had to; he did it because he wanted to. It gave him great pleasure to welcome us in. God is pleased that you have been adopted into his family.

Lord, thank you for loving us so much and adopting us all as your children, offering us each the same rights, privileges, and inheritance. Amen.

-Kendra

One Good Step: How have you experienced being included in the family of God? Who do you know that needs to be a part of a family? How could you invite them into your life (and family)?