From the information we found on google, it appears that many ladies are asking this question. They wonder if it would be sinful to put a child they gave birth to up for adoption. Statistically, most young women that become pregnant outside of marriage end up keeping their babies, but a larger percentage of them would consider adoption for their children given the option. One may go through many emotions when thinking about their child being raised by another family. A big concern for some would be if the child will hate them for their decision. You may wonder if that child might be abused or mistreated in the new family. Another thought would be if the birth father might hold it against you for giving his child up for adoption.
The motive
Before answering whether or not it is a sin to put a child up for adoption, we must first consider the motive behind this desire. Why do you want to put your child up for adoption? An honest answer to this question will help us answer our main question. If, for example, a birth mother’s reason for giving their child up for adoption is based on a desire to live a life free of the inconveniences that come with kids, then that reason is based on sinful selfishness (James 3:16, 1 Corinthians 10:24). However, if they think that their child will be better-taken care of in a two-parent home–financially, emotionally, and physically–then putting that child up for adoption, for this reason, is not a sin. This is, actually, a sign of selfless love; that a mother is willing to give their child up to allow them to receive better care and stability (Philippians 2:3-4).
Assuming that you’re giving your child up for adoption for good motives, God doesn’t look at you as a sinner, but instead, he looks at you as one who is giving justice to your kids (Psalm 82:3) and obeying his commands (Exodus 22:22). He looks at you as someone who is helping deliver children from difficult challenges (Psalm 82:4). The Scriptures go so far as to say that God will bless you because you’re taking care of your vulnerable children to have a better life (Psalm 41:1-3). Remember these truths from the scriptures whenever you’re struggling to make the tough decision on whether or not to put your child up for adoption.
Even if a birth mother knows that she is giving up her baby for adoption with good motives, it does not make things easier emotionally. Feelings, friends and relatives, may likely not be in support of such a decision. Therefore, it might help to remember that even God can identify with such a mother’s pain. He also gave up his one and only Son based on sacrificial love (John 3:16, 1 John 3:16). In love, God gave up his Son, Jesus, to live in the care of human parents to fulfil his good purpose. The motive is what counts in this weighty matter.
Other Adoption scenarios in the Bible
There are other adoption scenarios in the Scriptures. A good example is the story of Moses’ birth in Egypt (Exodus 2:10). At the time, Pharaoh was killing Hebrew babies to minimise their population in his land; they had become too many, and Pharaoh was beginning to feel intimidated (Exodus 1:15-16). Moses’ mother sought to save his life. Therefore, she put her little boy in a basket in the Nile River (Exodus 2:1-3). Outrageous as this may sound, it was the best shot at life little Moses had. The Pharaoh’s daughter finds baby Moses in the river, and luckily, she hires Moses’ mom to nurse him. She later, however, had to give him back to Pharaoh’s daughter for good (Exodus 2:7-10). This was certainly not easy for Moses’ mom. However, God fulfilled much out of her selfless love towards her child by mightily using Moses to free the Israelites from slavery.
God’s Heart for Adopted Kids
Having seen these biblical realities surrounding adoption, as you surrender your child to new parents, trust that God will watch over and protect your child (Psalm 68:5, 146:9). In a case where you have no option but to give your child up, trust that God will be their helper (Psalm 10:12-14). He promises to give them justice and protect them from evil (Psalm 10:17-18). Trust the Lord in faith. Pray that he uses your child for his good purposes wherever they will go. God doesn’t look at you giving your children up for adoption as a sin, but instead, he looks at you who is giving justice to your kids (Psalm 82:3) and obeying his commands (Exodus 22:22), and as someone who is helping deliver children from difficult challenges (Psalm 82:4). The Scriptures go so far as to say that God will bless you because you’re taking care of your vulnerable children to have a better life (Psalm 41:1-3). Remember these truths from the scriptures whenever you’re struggling to make the tough decision on whether or not to put your child up for adoption.
God’s Blessing for Those Who Adopt Children
For those who adopt other people’s children, be reminded that you’re doing a work that God calls good (James 1:27). The Scriptures, in Psalm 41:1-3, declare you blessed of God. In the African society, this may not earn you as much applause. However, be content with the fact that God approves of what you are doing. As you care for this child, do it knowing that the one who sent them to you is watching over them. Love them as though they were your very own. Let them not feel any different from your birth children, if you have any. Also, pray for the peace and rest of the birth parents of the child you have adopted, understanding that it was not an easy decision for them.
New Beginnings Crisis Pregnancy Centre
If in need of someone to talk to on whether or not to put a child up for adoption, please communicate with our sister ministry, New Beginnings Crisis Pregnancy Centre, +254780733288via text or call.
