Raising a child is a great responsibility, one that requires love, patience, and sacrifice.
But what about raising another man’s child?
Whether through marriage, adoption, or unexpected circumstances, many people find themselves in the role of raising a child who is not biologically their own.
This can bring unique challenges, but it can also be one of the greatest blessings in life.
The Bible has much to say about parenting, love, and responsibility.
It teaches that children are a gift from God, no matter their biological connection to us.
It also shows examples of men who stepped in to raise children that were not their own.
God honors those who take on this role with faithfulness, and He provides the strength to do it well.
If you are in this position or are considering raising another man’s child, let’s explore what the Bible has to say.
Children Are a Gift from God
The Bible makes it clear that every child is precious in the eyes of God.
Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
No matter how a child comes into our lives, they are a blessing.
They are not mistakes or burdens—they are gifts.
Some people hesitate to raise another man’s child because they feel the child is not truly “theirs.”
But from a biblical perspective, all children belong to God first.
Parents, whether biological or not, are given the responsibility of raising them with love and wisdom.
God does not see children as possessions of a particular person, but as souls meant to be nurtured, guided, and loved.
When we care for a child, we are participating in God’s plan, no matter whose bloodline they come from.
Joseph: The Ultimate Example of a Stepfather
One of the greatest examples of raising another man’s child is found in the story of Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus.
Joseph was not Jesus’ biological father—He was conceived by the Holy Spirit.
Yet Joseph took on the responsibility of raising Him as his own.
Matthew 1:19-20 tells us that Joseph was a righteous man.
When he learned that Mary was pregnant before they were married, he considered quietly leaving her.
But an angel appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”
Joseph obeyed God and became the earthly father of Jesus.
He protected Him, taught Him, and provided for Him.
Though Jesus was the Son of God, He was raised in Joseph’s household, learning carpentry and growing up under Joseph’s care.
Joseph’s example teaches us that raising another man’s child is not about blood—it is about obedience, love, and faithfulness.
Love Makes a Father, Not Biology
The Bible emphasizes that love is what makes someone a true father.
First Corinthians 13:4-7 describes love as patient, kind, and enduring.
It does not say that love is limited to biological ties.
A father is someone who provides, teaches, disciplines, and loves unconditionally.
Proverbs 22:6 says, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
This verse does not specify that only a biological father can train up a child.
Any man who takes on the role of raising a child has the opportunity to shape their future in a powerful way.
The Bible also speaks about adoption, which is another example of raising a child who is not biologically your own.
Ephesians 1:5 says, “He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will.”
God Himself adopts us into His family, making us His children.
This shows that family is not only about blood—it is about love, commitment, and relationship.
Responsibility and Provision
A man who raises another man’s child is not just taking on a role—he is taking on a responsibility.
The Bible is clear that fathers have a duty to provide for their households.
First Timothy 5:8 says, “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
Provision is not just about money.
It includes emotional support, spiritual leadership, and being present in the child’s life.
Children need guidance, discipline, and encouragement.
Ephesians 6:4 instructs fathers, “Do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
A man raising another’s child is called to be an example of godliness, teaching them what it means to follow Christ.
Overcoming Challenges
Raising another man’s child is not always easy.
There may be emotional struggles, conflicts with the child’s biological father, or difficulties in bonding.
But the Bible offers wisdom and strength for these challenges.
Galatians 6:9 encourages, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Stepping into a fatherly role requires patience.
Love takes time to grow, and relationships take time to develop.
A man must be consistent, showing love through his actions even when the child resists.
Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
When a man chooses to raise another man’s child, he is ultimately serving God, not just the child.
Every act of kindness, every sacrifice, and every lesson taught is seen by God.
The Blessing of Fatherhood
Though the role may be challenging, raising a child is also one of the greatest blessings a man can experience.
Psalm 127:4-5 says, “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.
Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.”
God honors men who step up to raise children, whether they are biologically theirs or not.
Children need love, stability, and guidance.
A man who chooses to love a child as his own reflects the very heart of God.
Just as God welcomes us into His family, a father figure can bring a child into his own family, giving them love and security.
Many of the greatest father-child relationships in history were not based on biology, but on love.
A man who raises another’s child has the opportunity to change that child’s life forever.
Encouragement for Men Raising Another Man’s Child
If you are in this role, know that God sees you.
He knows the sacrifices you make and the love you give.
You are not alone in this journey.
James 1:27 says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.”
Caring for a child is an act of worship.
It is a way of living out God’s love in a tangible way.
If you face criticism or doubt, remember Joseph.
He raised Jesus, though He was not his biological son.
And God chose him for that role.
If you struggle with feeling like an outsider, remember that love, not DNA, makes a family.
The child you are raising will remember your love and devotion far more than they will remember biology.
And if you ever feel overwhelmed, lean on God.
He is the ultimate Father, and He will give you the wisdom, strength, and patience you need.
Final Thoughts
The Bible shows us that raising another man’s child is an honorable and godly calling.
Joseph did it for Jesus.
God does it for us.
And men today can do it for the children placed in their lives.
Love makes a father.
Commitment makes a father.
A father is the one who stays, who provides, who teaches, and who loves.
If you have stepped into this role, know that you are doing God’s work.
You are shaping a life, building a future, and reflecting the love of Christ.
May God bless every man who chooses to love a child as his own.