“See what great love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children — and we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it didn’t know him.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬ ‭CSB‬‬

I’m not adopted. (At least I don’t think I am.) The parents who raised me are also my biological parents. In fact, among my siblings, I was the only planned child. I think I’ve pointed this out to them proudly on several occasions, as if I had something to do with it.

But as I contemplate today’s verse, it seems to me that being planned, conceived, born and then loved isn’t much to be proud of. Instead, being adopted by strangers and then loved is much more impressive.

Either way, the child didn’t have anything to do with it, but the adopted child’s gift is more unexpected, voluntary, and therefore more generous.

Parents are expected to love a child they planned for, conceived, and birthed. No stranger is expected to love an unplanned child, abandoned by those who conceived and birthed her. And yet adoptive parents do. What a gift!

Today’s verse says that God has given me this same kind of gift. Inexplicably, God wants me to be part of His beautiful family, welcomed as one of His own. I did nothing to deserve it. It’s just a gift. A marvelous gift. And like an adoptee, I can proudly call myself part of the family, a child of God. I have an inheritance and a future and a family name to live up to.

Dear God,

Thank you for adopting me into your family. I am overjoyed to be loved and welcomed by you even though I did nothing to deserve such a gift. Show me how to make you proud to be my Father. Thank you also for all the people around the world who have adopted children who needed loving homes. Fill these families with your peace and joy today.