Adoption Lessons: Loving our Hard to Love Children

"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?

Even 'sinners' love those who love them.

And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you?

Even 'sinners' do that.

And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you?

Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full.

But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back.

Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High,

because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked."

- Luke 6:32-35

Can I put this in terms of adoption for just a minute?

If you only want to adopt a child who is going to be easy to love, what is so wonderful about that?

Pretty much anyone is going to love a sweet and cuddly baby.

And, if you will only adopt a child who will repay you with a thankful, grateful attitude and will love you back, therefore fulfilling your need for love and kudos, what good is that?

Wouldn't anyone give love if they knew they would receive recognition, thanks, and praise?

But,

LOVE the children who seemingly hate you,

do good to them.

Keep on Giving of yourself without expecting them to give you anything back.

then (did you catch that, because it is really important)

THEN,

your reward will be great,

and you will be sons (and daughters) of the Most High,

Why? Why will we be sons and daughters of the Most High?

because he is kind to us. . .

and he ADOPTS US (ungrateful and wicked as we are) into His family!

May you be encouraged today to love your children with the Love that he has shown you.