Growing up as the younger brother, afforded me the opportunity to be picked on by a big brother. One memory is very vivid. My brother would tell me that I was adopted. My baby picture from the hospital made me look like I was from a different ethnicity. To add to my confusion, my father, mother, and brother were dark haired people, and I was a blonde-haired little boy. He would say that my mother just found that picture so that I would have a baby picture. I would get very upset and cry that I was adopted. My mother reassured me that she was my mother and that I was not adopted. Looking back, I see very clearly that I was not adopted by my biological parents but a real son.
Adoption is a beautiful thing and gives many children a chance for a new home and a new life. Many times, we use the term “children of God” to refer to all of humanity. We are created in the image of God and that means everyone has incredible value and worth. But to become a child of God, we have to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ. Once we come to faith in Christ, we are filled with the Holy Spirit. Romans 8: 8:14-16 says, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (NIV)
This spirit-filled life then makes us true children of God. If you ever feel alone or not connected to your earthly family know that you have a never-ending, loving family in Christ. Nothing can separate you from the love of God once you are in relationship with Christ.
My prayer is that you have a living faith in Jesus Christ and where you can cry out to our Heavenly Father, “Abba, Father.”
Rev. Earl Bradshaw
Concord District Presiding Elder
Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church, Pastor