Pets are cherished companions, bringing joy and comfort into our lives. But does the Bible actually talk about having pets? Let’s see how Scripture views animals and what that means for our relationships with them today.
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What Does The Bible Say About Having Pets
Genesis 1:26
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
This verse emphasizes that humans have been given the authority to rule over all creatures and animals on earth, including pets. As pet owners, we are entrusted with the care and well-being of our pets, and it is our responsibility to show them love, kindness, and compassion.
Proverbs 12:10
The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
This verse highlights the importance of treating animals, including pets, with kindness and compassion. As Christians, we are called to care for the needs of our pets, ensuring they have food, water, shelter, and love. Neglecting or mistreating animals goes against the principles of righteousness.
Psalm 145:9
The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
God’s goodness and compassion extend to all of creation, including animals. This verse reminds us that as pet owners, we should strive to emulate God’s character by showing kindness and compassion to our pets. We should treat them with love and respect, recognizing that they too are part of God’s creation.
Matthew 10:29-31
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
This verse reassures us that God’s care extends to even the smallest creatures, such as birds. If God takes notice of and cares for these creatures, how much more will He care for us, His beloved children. This teaches us the value and significance of all living beings, including our pets, in God’s eyes.
Proverbs 27:23
Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds;
This verse encourages responsible stewardship over our pets and livestock. As pet owners, it is important to be attentive to the well-being of our pets, regularly checking their condition, and ensuring they have proper care. It reminds us to be diligent in fulfilling our responsibilities towards the animals under our care.
Luke 12:6
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.
Similar to Matthew 10:29-31, this verse reinforces the idea that every living creature, no matter how small or insignificant, holds value in God’s eyes. As pet owners, we can take comfort in knowing that God remembers and cares for every single one of His creations, including our beloved pets.
Proverbs 12:10
A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
This verse reminds us that caring for the needs of our pets is an act of righteousness. As Christians, we should prioritize their well-being, providing them with love, care, and sustenance. Neglecting or mistreating animals is contrary to the compassionate nature of a righteous person.
Job 12:7-10
But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
This verse emphasizes that all of creation, including animals, bears witness to the hand of the Lord. Pets serve as a reminder of the greatness of God’s creation and the beauty of His intricate design in the animal kingdom. They reflect His divine creativity and bring joy and companionship to our lives.
Genesis 9:9-10
“I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants after you and with every living creature that was with you—the birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the ark with you—every living creature on earth.”
This verse illustrates that God’s covenant extends not only to humanity but also to every living creature. It reveals His deep concern for the well-being and preservation of all His creations. As pet owners, we can honor this covenant by treating our pets with love, care, and respect.
Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
This verse reminds us that God’s provision extends to all creatures, including birds. It reaffirms His loving care and concern for even the smallest of His creations. As pet owners, we can trust in God’s faithfulness to provide for the needs of our pets, just as He takes care of the birds of the air.
Isaiah 11:6
The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.
This verse portrays a harmonious and peaceful picture of animals coexisting together. It reflects God’s ultimate plan for restoration and reconciliation in His creation. As pet owners, we can aspire to create an environment of peace and love within our homes, where pets and humans can live in harmony.
Psalm 36:6
Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.
This verse highlights that God’s righteousness and justice extend to both humanity and animals. It reminds us of God’s role as the ultimate preserver of all living creatures, including our pets. As pet owners, we can find comfort and reassurance in knowing that God is watching over and caring for our beloved pets.
Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
This verse teaches the importance of showing mercy and compassion. As pet owners, we can practice mercy by treating our pets with kindness and empathy, ensuring their well-being, and meeting their needs. In doing so, we open ourselves up to experiencing God’s mercy and compassion in return.
Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.
This verse suggests that acts of kindness, even towards animals, are noted by the Lord. By showing kindness to our pets and caring for their needs, we are participating in a form of lending to the Lord. This encourages us to continue practicing kindness and compassion towards all living beings.
Psalm 104:14-15
He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate— bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.
This verse highlights God’s provision for both humans and animals. It reminds us of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the role of God as the provider of sustenance. As pet owners, we should recognize that God has provided us with the means to care for our pets and ensure their nourishment and well-being.
Matthew 18:12-14
“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.”
This parable illustrates God’s heart for the lost and the importance of seeking out and rescuing those who are in need. As pet owners, it reminds us of the value of each individual creature and the responsibility we have to care for and protect them. It reinforces the idea that no creature is insignificant in the eyes of God.
Romans 8:19-21
For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
This passage speaks of the longing of creation for the redemption and liberation that will come with the revelation of the children of God. As pet owners, we can participate in this hope by caring for our pets and being responsible stewards of the earth. Our love and care for our pets reflect our desire to see creation flourish and be restored to its intended freedom and glory.
Proverbs 12:17
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.
This verse underscores the importance of practicing kindness and compassion towards all living beings, including animals. By being kind to our pets and treating them with care, we are lending to the Lord, and He promises to reward us for our actions. It encourages us to continue showing love and compassion to our pets as an act of obedience and devotion to God.
Psalm 8:6-8
You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.
This verse affirms that God has entrusted humans with the responsibility of ruling over the animals and creatures of the earth. As pet owners, we have the privilege of caring for and stewarding these creatures. It reminds us to exercise our authority with love, compassion, and responsibility, reflecting God’s own care for His creations.
Proverbs 27:23
Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds.
This verse emphasizes the need for pet owners to be attentive and aware of the well-being and condition of their pets. It encourages us to invest time and effort into understanding their needs and providing for them accordingly. By doing so, we demonstrate our commitment to responsible pet ownership and fulfilling the duties entrusted to us.
Matthew 7:12
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
This well-known verse, often referred to as the Golden Rule, teaches us to treat others, including animals, with the same kindness, love, and respect that we desire for ourselves. As pet owners, this principle reminds us to consider the needs and well-being of our pets, treating them with the same care and compassion that we would want for ourselves.
Proverbs 31:8-9
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
This verse compels us to advocate for and defend the rights of those who are unable to speak for themselves, including animals. As pet owners, we have a responsibility to ensure the well-being and protection of our pets, speaking up for their needs and treating them with fairness and justice.
Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
This verse, similar to Matthew 7:12, focuses on treating others, including animals, with the same kindness and respect that we desire for ourselves. It reminds us to consider the needs and feelings of our pets, extending love and care towards them as we would hope to receive love and care in return.