Adopted, Not Tolerated

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God.” - 1 John 3:1

Many people live with the quiet belief that God merely puts up with them. You show up, try your best, and hope you do not disappoint Him too much. Faith becomes careful and guarded. You pray, but you hold back. You obey, but you assume God’s love depends on how well you perform. That mindset may feel familiar, but it is not what Scripture teaches.

God never intended for you to live like a tolerated guest in His house. Through Christ, you were adopted into His family. Adoption is not a temporary arrangement. It is not probation. It is a permanent decision made by the Father. When God adopted you, He chose you fully, knowing everything about you. Your weaknesses did not surprise Him. Your past did not disqualify you. His choice was intentional and complete.

Being adopted changes how you relate to God. You are no longer trying to earn a place at the table. You already belong there. Prayer shifts from fear to confidence. Obedience grows from love instead of obligation. When you stumble, you do not hide. You return to a Father who restores, not rejects. Sons and daughters are corrected, not discarded.

Inheritance also comes with adoption. In Christ, you receive forgiveness, identity, access, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. These are not rewards for good behavior. They are gifts given because you belong. God does not give you scraps of grace. He gives you the fullness of what He promised. You stand in His family with the same acceptance He gives to every child He loves.

If you have ever felt like an outsider in your faith, hear this clearly. You are not on the margins of God’s heart. You are not barely included. You are not waiting to be approved. You are fully adopted. God delights in calling you His own.

Let this truth settle into your heart today. Walk with confidence, not caution. Pray with honesty, not fear. Live knowing you are deeply loved. You are not tolerated by God. You are chosen, welcomed, and secure as His child.

2 Comments


Lisa Chabot - February 3rd, 2026 at 4:35am

Adopted and accepted, you have a seat at the table. Amen.

n

Carmen - February 3rd, 2026 at 5:11am

Thank you Father for adopting me into your kingdom family and allowing me to have a seat at your table. I will praise you in my storms. Ame

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