Adoption was highly honored, with the adoptee guaranteed sonship to the end of his life - a true heir of the father. This clarifies Paul's use of the concept of believers as adopted children of God. As heirs with Christ, we inherit all the riches of our Father God. Using God's Word for birth parents working through the decision-making process of relinquishment gives them stability, comfort and direction. This approach enables them to maintain the dignity of self respect and self esteem.
Many birth parents live with guilt feelings and unresolved grief.
A cause of untold suffering is the misperception that a caring birth-mother or father would never consider placing their baby for adoption. Even more damaging is the misunderstanding that the birth-parents will forget about the pregnancy and the baby after the adoption process is completed. Adoptive parents need to be aware of the importance of their sensitivity toward the pain of relinquishment by the birth-parents. Birth-parents also need to understand the pain and grief of an infertile couple. Examples of adoption in Scripture can be very helpful to both.