BGEA: Does the Bible say anything about how we should treat animals? God made them also, didn't He?

My pets mean a lot to me, and I hate to see people neglect animals or treat them cruelly. Does the Bible say anything about how we should treat animals? God made them also, didn't He? — J.Y.

Yes, God made everything that lives on the earth -- including the animals. In the beginning, the Bible says, "God said, 'Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals....' And it was so" (Genesis 1:24).

And yes, the Bible commands us to take care of the animals under our care. One of the signs of a righteous man, the Bible says, is that he takes care of his animals (see Proverbs 12:10). Even the animal of an enemy was to be treated kindly: "If you come across your enemy's ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to take it back to him" (Exodus 23:4). One reason God commanded His people to rest one day out of seven was so their animals would be refreshed (see Exodus 23:12).

In fact, the Bible says we must never treat any part of God's creation with contempt. When we do, we are indirectly treating our Creator with contempt. Instead, God calls us to be stewards or trustees of His creation, and the Bible reminds us that we are responsible to Him for the way we treat it. We've often forgotten this -- but it's still true, and when we ignore it we not only hurt God's creation but we also hurt ourselves.

Most of all, however, God calls us to put Him first in our lives. He loves us, and our greatest calling is to respond to His love by opening our hearts and lives to His Son, Jesus Christ.

12 Comments

jojo George says 6.3.2013, 07:48 a.m.

over here in africa (especially Nigerians), they don't treat animals kindly. they throw stones them, but I really love animals... especially DOGS and RAM

Shelly says 5.12.2013, 07:54 a.m.

Our dog that we've been blessed with for 17 years now has a very poor quality of life. I am feeling conflicted however about having him put to sleep. I know it's time, but it this the right thing to do?Any thoughts on this from a Biblical view? :(

Dog troubled. says 4.8.2013, 3:47 p.m.

Billy Graham, Well sir, what does the Bible say about people who have dogs that they let run wild and run in pack and threaten people?

margo says 3.21.2013, 02:33 a.m.

May God bless you all that love animals. My baby Sally, my beautiful dog and friend of 13 years went to sleep peacefully at home yesterday with her family around her. We loved her and will treasure our memories, she was part of our family. Sally was starting to have trouble breathing and arthritis was affecting the way she walked, she couldnt sit properly with out sort of flopping and it was heartbreaking to see her like this. My tears havent stopped yet but i know i would not wish her back she is at peace now.May God kep her happy in heaven.I love you my Sally, margo Margo,

Julie says 3.1.2013, 11:26 a.m.

My Beamer is in serious need of prayers. He has undergone 2 surgeries in 4 days to remove gangrene imfected skin from a dog attack. He is a Chihuahua/Jack Russel mix. Please keep my baby in your prayers that GOD heals his lil body

Sam says 12.20.2012, 9:18 p.m.

Sue you are right.

Tobias says 8.16.2012, 6:31 p.m.

Ok. I like it. It really taught me something today

James says 7.11.2012, 03:37 a.m.

They are wonderful companions when you have nobody else. They are loyal no matter what. If you pay close attention they can sense your emotions. If you are upset or sad they will know. They also grieve as we do. Its Amazing.

Kimberly says 9.10.2010, 01:15 a.m.

I think that people that can mistreat animals are usually mean theirselves. I also think that most animals can sense that in a person too . You can kinda watcha a dog, he knows most of the time who is mean or nice and he can trust . I love animals and have always had animals and yes I think that the GOOD LORD expects us to look after them and it says that in the Bible also. I also think that some animals should be left free and to be i n their own enviroment and not b bothered. Like wild animals and then they do something to someone and they blame it on the animal. I tink that is wrong also. A wild animal can always turn on a human and go back to their instint and it is not the animals fault.

Jordana says 9.3.2010, 11:06 p.m.

WE were traveling home from one state ot another, a 2 day journey, when on day 2 as were to leave our motel, our 2 dogs bolted and we could not find them. WE had to leave as we have 2 very young children. The dogs were found but they are almost 400 miles away, a 14 hour drive with breaks. They will likely be put ot sleep if not picked up within a week. I am so torn. I need prayer.

sue says 8.19.2010, 4:42 p.m.

I agree that some people seem to love animals more than humans. Often, this is because they have felt that animals loved them but humans did not, or they have been abused by humans but found solace with animals. These people need our prayers and our kindness.

Randy says 8.19.2010, 08:23 a.m.

I agree that we should be good stewards in the care of God's animals. However, I notice some people who are genuine pet lovers can be quite intolerant of their fellow humans. The love of a pet should never replace the love we are to have for our fellow man. Also remember that we are all sinners and the people who mistreat animals could most likely remind us of our sins. I look forward to Heaven and be able to see what marvelous things await us there, possibly creatures that will be the most lovable pets that we are incapable of imagining in this world.