Foster Parenting

Q: We're thinking about becoming foster parents. Does the Bible have anything to say about that?

A: No, the Bible doesn't specifically identify the concept of foster parenting or foster care for children. However, Jesus was very, very clear about the priority of children. There are numerous Scripture references in both the Old and New Testament that help us understand that children are near to God's heart. (Matthew 19:14 & Luke 18:16)

Moreover, Scripture is fairly clear, I believe, about showing us that our response to children is a good measure of our overall faithfulness. Said differently, how we treat children is a good reflection of how we regard God. The most compelling Scripture about this is found in Matthew 25:31-46. This is where Jesus described "whatever you do to the least of these" and compared it to what we would do - or not do for Jesus Himself.

Being a foster parent or an adoptive parent is a very noble cause for a Christ-follower. There are more than 500,000 foster children in America today. There are more than 30 million orphans in the world today. In the U.S. alone, there are scores of children that nobody wants. How do you look a child in the eye and tell him or her, "I'm sorry, but nobody wants you. No one is willing to love you."

It is in this context that Jesus' words in Matthew 25:31-46 really shine light on God's truth. I believe what Jesus was essentially saying there is that it is not possible for us as a society to ignore the needs of these children - and at the same time to profess our love for Christ. For like He said, if we don't love and care for them, then we can't possibly love Him.

Sadly, many people are simply ignorant about the facts here. They see people going overseas for adoption and spending tens of thousands of dollars. But they don't realize that is a choice these people make. I live in the state of Texas, for example. At any given time Texas has an inventory of at least 2,000 children that it considers "hard-to-place." They are bi-racial, have physical and/or mental handicaps, are older, are in sibling groups, etc. But if you're willing to consider these children, Texas offers child support until they're 18, free health insurance, free summer camps, help with therapy bills and free tuition at any state university. Adopting these kids might cost a couple hundred dollars in legal fees. That's it. So why don't more people adopt them? I can only guess it's because they're ignorant of the opportunity or they're selfish and would rather pay tens of thousands of dollars to get what they believe to be a perfect white infant.

I can't encourage Christ-followers strongly enough to foster and adopt as many children as you possibly can. I am equally convinced that God rewards such commitment and sacrifice. Remember that if God calls you to a task, He also has a plan to resource you for that task.