I am adopted. From what I hear from my parents, adopting me was not an easy task! Lots of paperwork, government background checks, and other miscellaneous things—it took them many months before they could adopt.

Adoption takes lots of money and time. It’s definitely not a calling for everyone, but when God does call people to adopt, it’s a reminder of the adoption we have in Christ.

As Christians, we are adopted into the family of God. This adoption is much different than when earthly parents adopt a child. It’s free for us, because Jesus paid the price by dying on the cross. In this adoption, there is no paperwork or money involved, and it’s simple—even a young child can be adopted into the family of God.

The only thing needed for our adoption is salvation, and it’s free to all who believe that Jesus is their Savior! When we receive Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are adopted as sons and daughters of God. Because we are in Christ, nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39)! God loved us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross and rise from the dead so we could be His children. Praise Him for making a way for us to be adopted into His family! • Lilly Wiscaver

• Have you been adopted into God’s family by putting your trust in Jesus? If not, what’s holding you back? (For more about what it means to put your trust in Jesus, check out the “Know Jesus” page.)

• Can you think of any other ways earthly adoption reminds us of the adoption God has made for us?

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26 (NLT)