Parts of the adoption process can be spiritually trying for both adoptive families and birth parents. We sometimes have people ask us for Bible passages that relate to all kinds of adoption. Whether you’re religious or not, we hope that these passages (sent to us by members of the American Adoptions family) can help you find inspiration and comfort throughout the adoption process and beyond. Check back in next week for inspirational adoption quotes.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when dreams come true, there is life and joy.” – Proverbs 13: 12

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” – Jeremiah 29:11

“Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.” – Matthew 18:5

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

“Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west… Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth.” – Isaiah 43:5-6

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” -Psalm 126:3

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” – Matthew 7:7-8

“Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” – Romans 8:23

“Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises.” – Romans 9:4

“You are the helper of the fatherless. Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear, to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, That the man of the earth may oppress no more.” – Psalms 10:14,17-18

“Speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless and see that they get justice.” – Proverbs 31:8-9

“He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” – Ephesians 1:5

“Father to the fatherless defender of widows – this is God, whose dwelling is hold. Got sets the lonely in families.” – Psalms 68:5-6

“I prayed for this child, and the Lord had granted me what I asked of him.” – Samuel 1:27

“And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” – 2 Corinthians 6:18

“But as many received him, to them gave he power to become sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor the will of the flesh, nor the will of man, but of God.” – John 1:12-13

“To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive adoption as sons.” – Galatians 4:5

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” – Romans 8:14-17

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” – James 1:27

“In you the orphan finds mercy.” – Hosea 14:3

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” – Proverb 3:5-6

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord.” – Psalm 127

“And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.” – John 11:52

Additionally, several important Biblical figures were adopted, including Jesus, Esther, Samuel and Moses. And frequent metaphors are made in Old Testament about God’s adoption of Israel and its people as well.