James 1:27-2:1: “Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world. My brothers and sisters, do not show favoritism as you hold on to the faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.”

In this passage, James is saying that part of believing and embracing the love of Jesus is that we are automatically going to have a desire to extend that love to others.

3 Aspects of Adoption 

1. Adoption’s History
   It is important to understand that the people who first read the words of James lived on a different continent, spoke a different language, and had different norms and practices from us.

2. Adoption’s Significance

• Adoption is one of those incredible pictures God has given us in family life that helps us understand what He has done for us and how He sees us.
• God doesn’t just save us, but He takes us into His family as children and heirs (J.I. Packer)
• If you have placed your faith in Jesus, God has not only said that you are forgiven. He has also said, “I love you. You are my child, and I want you to share in my inheritance.”

3. Adoption’s Response

• Respond by extending love to those who feel disconnected from the love of God
• Respond in a direct way by literally caring for orphans
• Respond by really embracing the adoption that we have received in Jesus Christ

Be encouraged today that we are co-heirs with Christ and our position as adopted sons and daughters of the living God of heaven is unshakable and irrevocable.

Discussion Questions

1. Even though we have faith in Jesus, why do we sometimes show favoritism?
2. How do you know that God loves you?
3. Why do we struggle to believe and accept God’s love for us?
4. How do we extend love to those who feel disconnected from the love of God?
5. How is God calling you to have a role in adoption?