4 Bible Verses to Encourage You When You Want to Become a Foster Parent

As a Christian, caring for children who need a loving home and family by becoming a foster parent is a beautiful way to put your faith into action. Becoming a foster parent can have its challenges, but overall, it’s a positive, rewarding experience that can fill you with joy and pride. If you are considering fostering a child, we’ve picked out some Bible verses to encourage and inspire you on this journey. 

Can I Become a Foster Parent?

First, let’s touch on the basics of fostering. If you are considering becoming a foster parent, there are many questions that you might have. You may be wondering if you can foster and work, if you need to be married, or if there are specific home requirements. In the UK, anybody can apply to foster a child if they are over the age of 21, a permanent resident, and have a spare room in a safe and suitable home.

If you are a reader from the UK, you can find answers to questions about working and fostering, home life, and more at orangegrovefostercare.co.uk.

If you meet the requirements and are considering beginning this rewarding journey, here are some verses you may find encouraging. 

4 Bible Verses to Encourage You When You Want to Become a Foster Parent

James 1:27

This Bible verse instructs Christians to look after orphans and widows in their distress. It reminds all followers of God that they are called by Him to care for those who are the most vulnerable in society. By becoming a foster parent, you can fulfill this calling by providing a loving home for those children who need it most. 

“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” -James 1:27

Psalm 68:5

This Bible verse reminds Christians that God in His holy dwelling is a father to the fatherless. As Christians, we are instructed to follow the example of God and try to be more like Him. Becoming a foster parent means that you are filling a gap for often vulnerable children who do not have a father or mother present in their lives, providing them with a supportive and loving home. 

“Father to the fatherless, defender of widows—
    this is God, whose dwelling is holy.” -Psalm 68:5

Isaiah 1:17

This Bible verse from the book of Isaiah instructs Christians to defend the oppressed, learn to do right, and take up the cause of the fatherless. It reminds those of the Christian faith that they are called to defend and protect the most vulnerable in society. Caring for and offering protection to a foster child who may have been neglected, abused, and mistreated in their short life is one excellent example of doing just that. 

“Learn to do good.
    Seek justice.
Help the oppressed.
    Defend the cause of orphans.
    Fight for the rights of widows.” -Isaiah 1:17

Matthew 19:14

In this well-known verse from the Bible, Jesus instructs: ‘Let the little children come to me’. It also tells us that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to the children. It’s a beautiful reminder for Christians that Jesus loves and values our children. He instructs us to care for and cherish them. By becoming a foster parent, you’re doing as Jesus would have done, providing a loving and caring home for a child to grow and thrive. 

“But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” -Matthew 19:14

As a Christian, you may be looking for something fulfilling to do that allows you to put your faith into practice and make a difference. And there is nothing as Christian-like as caring for the vulnerable. Inviting a foster child into your home may be something you feel called by God to do. If so, we hope these Bible verses inspire and encourage you. 

Sally Giles

Author

Sally Giles ran her own successful importing business for many years. She’s now living the dream as a freelance writer, walking her dogs through the forest most days.

Have you read our story of adoption and learning to surrender?

The word surrender has a nasty reputation. We think of it as failure — giving up and giving in. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Surrender takes strength. Moreover, surrendering to God leads to living a full and prosperous life. It’s the message of my book and the prayer of my heart for each of you to embrace a surrendered life.

God walked us through layers of surrender as we followed His call to adopt. Our sweet girl didn’t come home to us by chance. But rather, by a miraculous series of events. I’ve witnessed God use the stories of others to inspire, encourage, equip, and give us hope. I pray our story does the same for you as you explore Foster Care and/or Adoption.