Day 19 — Adopted

“For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”

— Romans 8:15–16 (BSB)

In the Roman world Paul lived in, adoption was a serious legal act. A wealthy man with no heir might adopt a young man and give him everything: a new name, a new family, full rights of inheritance. All the old debts were cancelled. Legally, he had become a new person. He wasn’t a guest in the house. He was a son.

Paul takes that picture and says: this is what God has done for you in Christ. The word your Bible translates “sonship” means exactly that, being placed into the family with full rights. And this applies to sons and daughters. Elsewhere Paul says God “predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ.” John says that to those who receive Jesus, God “gave the right to become children of God.”

Notice the contrast in today’s verse. There are two ways of relating to God. One is like a slave: always anxious, always trying to earn your place, never sure if you’ve done enough, afraid of being thrown out. The other is like a child who knows they’re wanted. Many people who go to church still live like slaves. They obey because they’re scared, pray because they feel they have to, and wonder whether God is secretly disappointed.

Paul says that’s not your spirit anymore. God’s Spirit lives in you and teaches you a new word: “Abba.” It’s the word a child used for their father, warm and close. Jesus used it when He prayed. Now, through Him, you can too.

Maybe the word “father” is complicated for you. Maybe your dad is absent, or harsh, or you’ve never known him. Maybe you have a great dad, but he’s human and he’s let you down. Families look very different, and if anyone at home makes you feel unsafe, please tell a trusted adult. But hear this: God is not a bigger version of the father you have or haven’t had. He is the Father all fathers were meant to point to. He doesn’t leave. He doesn’t lose His temper. He doesn’t love you less when you fail.

Adoption also tells you who you are. You’re not a project God is tolerating. You’re not an employee on probation. You’re a child, with a name and an inheritance: “So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, you are also an heir through God.”

And the Spirit Himself “testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” On the days you don’t feel it, the truth still stands. On the days you do, that warmth in your heart when you pray, that sense of home, is God’s own voice saying, You’re Mine.

Think about it: Do you relate to God more like a nervous servant or a loved child? What makes you feel that way?

Try this: Start your prayers today with the words “Father, thank You that I’m Your child,” and say it slowly, as if it’s true. Because it is.

Go deeper: The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit by R. A. Torrey — Torrey explains how the Holy Spirit takes us from fearful, formal prayers to a childlike trust that cries “Abba, Father.” Start with chapter 15, “The Holy Spirit Bearing Witness to Our Sonship.”

Abba, Father, thank You for adopting me into Your family through Jesus. Thank You that I’m not a slave who has to earn my place, but Your child. Where I’ve been afraid of You, let Your Spirit remind me that I’m loved. Thank You that You will never leave me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.