Exploring What God Says About Adoption: Love and Belonging Explored
What Does God Say About Adoption? Exploring Love and Belonging
The Biblical View of Adoption: A Gift of Love
Well, when you start thinking about adoption, it's easy to get caught up in the technical side of things—paperwork, legalities, the big steps. But honestly, if you look at what God says about it, it's so much deeper. Adoption isn't just a legal process—it's a spiritual journey that reflects God's heart for us.
Now, adoption in the Bible isn’t just about humans adopting children. It's about God adopting us into His family. In Ephesians 1:5, Paul tells us that God "predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ." This isn’t just a warm, fuzzy metaphor—it’s a deep, divine truth. God sees us as His children, regardless of our background or past, and adoption is part of His grand plan to show us love and acceptance.
Adoption in the Old Testament: A Picture of God's Heart
Let’s dive a bit deeper. You might be thinking, “Okay, but where’s adoption in the Old Testament?” Actually, it’s there more than you’d think. Take the story of Moses, for instance. Moses was adopted by Pharaoh's daughter after being rescued from the Nile River. Talk about a miraculous act of kindness! Moses didn’t just get a second chance at life—he was given a place in a family, one he didn’t expect, which radically shaped his future.
Another example? Esther. She was adopted by her cousin Mordecai after her parents died. Her adoption wasn’t just about survival; it was about positioning her for something great—becoming the queen and saving her people.
God’s heart for adoption shows up in both obvious and subtle ways in these stories. It's all about making space for those in need of a family, a safe place, and a future.
What the New Testament Teaches About Adoption
In the New Testament, the idea of adoption gets even clearer. One of my favorite passages is Romans 8:15, where it says, "The Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship." That’s pretty powerful, right? We’re not just "accepted" into God’s family—we’re adopted as sons and daughters. And let me tell you, this isn’t some second-tier status. No, we are fully embraced and loved as His own children.
But here's the thing—adoption in the New Testament is about God extending His grace to us, and that grace is a gift. Adoption isn't about earning your way in. It’s about God choosing you, just like He chose me, just like He chose all of us.
The Role of Jesus in Our Adoption
Actually, when you stop and think about it, Jesus is the reason adoption is possible at all. He’s the one who made it possible for us to be adopted into God's family. In 1 John 3:1, it says, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" This love—it’s abundant, unearned, and absolutely transformative.
Adoption, both in the earthly and spiritual sense, points us back to Jesus. It’s through His sacrifice that we can be brought into the family of God.
What Does Adoption Mean for Us Today?
Well, this brings us to the practical side of things. How does all of this tie into modern-day adoption? Honestly, it’s beautiful to think that every time a child is adopted, it reflects God’s love for us. It’s an act of grace, of welcoming someone into your family—no matter their past, no matter their story.
Let me share a personal story here. A close friend of mine adopted a little boy a few years ago. The whole process was long and challenging, but when she held him for the first time, you could see the love and joy on her face. It wasn’t just about legal paperwork—it was about choosing him, loving him, and bringing him into their family. That moment reminded me so much of how God has chosen us, even when we didn’t deserve it. There’s something powerful about that.
Adoption as a Calling
And, you know, adoption isn’t always easy. It's not all sunshine and rainbows. It’s messy, it's hard, and it sometimes feels overwhelming. But isn't that how God's love works? It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. If you're considering adoption, don’t let the fear of challenges stop you. You might not feel "ready," but God equips those He calls.
A Reflection of God's Love
Finally, I have to say—adoption is an act of love, pure and simple. It’s not just about taking in someone who needs a family. It’s about reflecting the way God loves us. When we adopt, we’re showing the world a picture of God’s heart for us. We’re saying, "I choose you. I love you. You belong."
Conclusion: Embracing the Spirit of Adoption
Honestly, what God says about adoption is simple: it’s all about love, acceptance, and belonging. Whether it’s the adoption we experience through Jesus or the adoption we offer to others, it’s rooted in the deep love that God has for His children. If you're adopting or have been adopted, remember—you’re part of God’s beautiful family. And that’s something worth celebrating.
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Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.