Considering adoption can be scary. If you are a spiritual woman, perhaps you have found yourself wondering, “Is giving up a baby for adoption a sin?”
When considering that question, the best place to look for answers is the bible.
As we will see, adoption can be a beautiful reflection of God’s love. Through his Holy Spirit, God offers us love, hope, peace, and patience, time and time again. The scriptures contain verse after verse describing the hope He gives us for the future, His forgiveness, and the unfailing love He has for His people!
Placing your child for adoption is a brave and beautiful choice. You are selflessly giving your child life and opportunities that you may not be able to provide at this moment.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of seven scriptures on adoption and adoption stories in the bible. Learn about God’s unfailing love in the scriptures below!
Looking to the Bible: Scriptures on Adoption
1. Luke 3:23
“When Jesus began his work, he was about 30 years old, being the son, as the opinion was, of Joseph.”
The greatest man who ever lived was raised by his loving earthly parents, Joseph and Mary. “And Jesus went on progressing in wisdom and in physical growth and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). Clearly, Jesus grew up in a loving household where he was taught about God.
But did you know he was adopted? Mary was Jesus’ biological earthly mother, but Joseph was not his biological father. Still, Joseph became Jesus’ adopted father, raising him as if he was Joseph’s own son! In fact, Joseph even trained Jesus to be a carpenter (Mark 6:3), in addition to making God a priority in his family’s life (Luke 2:41-47).
Jesus had a loving relationship with both his mother and his adoptive father! God used Joseph to be a positive father figure in His son’s life!
2. Genesis 15:2-4
“Abram added: ‘You have given me no offspring, and a member of my household is succeeding me as heir.’”
Abraham, also called Abram, is referred to as “God’s friend” throughout the bible (Isaiah 41:8). Before God blessed Abraham with children, Abraham actually considered his slave Eliazer as in a position similar to that of an adopted son!
In fact, during this time period in Middle Eastern culture, the practice of adopting slaves was common.
Clearly, faithful people in the bible considered adoption as a positive thing.
3. Exodus 2:1-10
“When the child grew older, she brought him to Pharʹaoh’s daughter, and he became a son to her. She named him Moses and said: ‘It is because I have drawn him out of the water.’”
Moses was a faithful prophet of God who later led the Israelites away from Egypt and across the Red Sea. Did you know he was legally adopted? Moses’ birth mother loved him very much, but she had to save his life. So she put him in a basket where Pharoah’s daughter found him and adopted him. God loved Moses very much and blessed him throughout his life.
God did not think any less of Moses or Moses’ mother for the adoption.
4. 1 Timothy 5:8
“Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.”
God holds parents responsible for taking care of their children. Therefore, as the baby’s birth mother, you have the God-given responsibility to ensure s/he is loved, cared for, and safe. If you are able, this responsibility would fall to you. However, if you are not able to care for your little one, an adoptive family may be able to help.
5. Matthew 25:35-40
“In reply the King will say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”
This scripture describes what generosity and hospitality mean to Jesus. When you do something loving and kind to another person, Jesus not only sees it, but he appreciates it.
Blessing a childless couple with the gift of life is by far one of the most selfless things a mother could do. Your love, as well as the love of the adoptive parents, shows such a sincere level of giving and generosity.
6. Psalm 127:3
“Look! Sons are an inheritance from God; the fruitage of the belly is a reward.”
Children are a blessing from God and thus should be valued as the wonderful reward they are. You thus show the ultimate love for your baby by making sure s/he has the best life possible, whether that life is with you or an adoptive family.
7. Romans 8:15-16
“For you did not receive a spirit of slavery causing fear again, but you received a spirit of adoption as sons, by which spirit we cry out: ‘Abba, Father!’ The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
Though we have earthly parents, God is our heavenly father. When you remain close to God by reading the bible (2 Timothy 3:16), you “draw close to [Him]” (James 4:8). Then, you can experience God’s love for you first-hand.
When you place your baby with a loving family of your choosing, your child will be welcomed and loved. God loves even unborn babies (Psalm 139:13-16) and sees children as a gift, as mentioned above.
Is Adoption a Sin?
In the end, choosing adoption means selflessly deciding to provide your child with a beautiful life full of love, from you, the adoptive family, and God!
Adoption is not a sin. It is a personal decision that you must make after carefully considering your options and praying to God for guidance.
“…throw all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
Are You Considering Adoption?
At Texas Adoption Center, you will find a non-judgemental and caring group of women who are committed to providing you love and support throughout the entire adoption process!
We want to empower you to see the beauty in the adoption experience and will respect any wants or needs that you may have. Although this may be scary or stressful for you, we are here for you at all times!
To take the first step, contact us at 512-518-6171 or send us a text at 361-461-3742 at any time of the day. Our Adoption Specialists are looking forward to speaking with you!
