God is Impartial - Part One

Having been an adoptive parent for 23 years (three times, actually), I always marvel at people who say (thankfully, only a few), "How many of your children are YOURS?  Yes, I know you have five children, but how many are YOURS?" That seems like such a peculiar question to ask - at the very best, odd - and at the very worst, thoughtless.

On the same "starting line" in my family stand all five of my children, regardless of age, ability, or by what channel they entered our family.  I was truly blessed to carry two wonderful biological sons to birth, but I was also truly blessed to have God say, "Susie, I chose you to be the adoptive Mom for Mary Grace, Annah, and Vivie.  My two always-loved biological sons are as much a part of the family of five as the three adopted girls - and vice versa.  No favorites, no special ranking, no "She loves you more because you're...."  As the mom to Eric, Nathan, Mary Grace, Annah, and Vivie - my love to each of them is equal and undying.  I carry a heart of devotion toward them all - no exceptions and no exclusions.  Period. 

Time cannot change the love I have for all my "children."  Distance between modes of contact (personal visits, phone calls, letters, emails, texts, instant messaging, skype chats) cannot lesson the love or thoughts I have for each child of mine.  If one is out of contact for a time, that does not lower the "love ranking" for that child.  If one child is always attentive, that doesn't move him or her up to "number one spot."  Any conflict between me and one of my children cannot lessen the love I have for that child. I love them all - and will hold them all in my heart forever.


Eric - First Child - March, 1972






Annah - Fifth Child - October, 2006

 













With that said, I marvel at the same trait in God. I wonder how God could love the thief on the cross as much as he loved Jesus, His only Son.  I'm in awe when God answers a sinner's prayer after a hard, cruel, destructive life and moves that redeemed one to the front of the class, to sit next to "Teacher's Pet."  How can it be?  How can God extend that Hand of Forgiveness at the last moment of life to one, embracing the forgiven one with the same loving intensity as the embrace of a lifelong devoted follower of His?  How can it be?

One familiar supporting verse to believers is John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."  The verse doesn't say, "whoever, except for those who skid in (to belief in Jesus Christ as Savior of mankind) at the last possible second of their life." Another supporting verse that God is impartial is Romans 2:11, "For God shows no partiality." 

Personally, the concept of unconditional love (toward me) is a challenge to understand.  However - personally, the concept of unconditional love for each of my children - well, that's much different.  "Of course!" I say, "They are my kids!  Of course I love them without condition or favoritism!"

And so says God - to all of us.  He loves us and yearns for an intimately close relationship with us.  Get to know your Heavenly Father better today.  He loves you without reserve.  God has no partiality.

Bible Verses:

• John 3:16    "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."
• Romans 2:11   "For God shows no partiality."
• Acts 10:34   ³⁴ Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism ³⁵ but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. ³⁶ You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
• I Peter 1: 17-21    ¹⁷ Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. ¹⁸ For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, ¹⁹ but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. ²⁰ He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. ²¹ Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God."

Hallelujah - what a Savior!
Susie