As we explore the relationship between people and animals, I must share a heartwarming and humorous tale about my husband and our beloved dogs. You see, after our children left home, we became devoted “dog people,” and our furry friends have taken a central role in our lives. To be precise, we have become parents to our “dog children” – a term that often garners amused reactions.

Our dogs, under my husband’s care, are granted many freedoms that he would never have given our human children. They sleep with us in our bed, and recently, their nighttime maneuvers have reached new heights. Our small dog has elevated her sleeping position from the foot of the bed to between our heads, while my husband’s Labrador, a majestic 65-pound companion, now sprawls lengthwise beside him. It’s like three grown-ups sharing a queen-sized bed!

Our furry companions receive a level of attention and pampering that might surprise many. My husband even began buying chicken bone broth to pour over their food, deeming dry dog food too dull for their newly refined tastes. To ensure they have constant access to fresh water, we installed a water fountain for them. And whenever they display any mischievous behavior, my husband simply chuckles and says, “Honey, they are just dogs acting like dogs.”

You may find this display of affection and indulgence amusing, but it offers a valuable lesson about our role as stewards of God’s creation. While our dogs might have “dog children” status in our home, it demonstrates the capacity for love and care that God instilled within us as human beings. Just as God entrusted Adam and Eve with dominion over the animals (Genesis 1:26), we too have the responsibility to be loving stewards of the creatures He has created.

As we delve into the relationship between people and animals, it’s essential to understand our role as stewards of God’s creation. In today’s world, we encounter various perspectives, including animal rights activists and vegans, advocating for the ethical treatment of animals. But let us explore how this concern for animals would have compared in biblical times and how we can strike a balance between caring for all of God’s creation without becoming extremists.

In the Scriptures, we find that God designed humans to have a unique relationship with the animal kingdom. In the beginning, when God created Adam and Eve, He entrusted them with the responsibility to rule over all living creatures (Genesis 1:26). This dominion was not a license to exploit or abuse animals but rather a call to be loving stewards, reflecting God’s compassion for His entire creation.

In biblical times, we see evidence of how animals were valued and cared for. Proverbs 12:10 states, “The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” This verse highlights the importance of compassion toward animals and the connection between righteousness and caring for them. Animals were essential for agricultural labor, transportation, and sacrifices in religious ceremonies. In many instances, God’s concern for animals is also evident, such as when He instructed that even working animals should rest on the Sabbath (Exodus 23:12).

One of the most well-known biblical stories showcasing God’s compassion for animals is the story of Jonah and the city of Nineveh (Jonah 4:11). God saw their repentance and acknowledged not only the people’s transformation but also the many animals in the city. This account teaches us that God’s concern extends beyond humanity to the welfare of all living beings.

Today’s rise of animal rights activists and vegans reflects an increased awareness of the ethical treatment of animals. As Christians, we should listen and learn from these perspectives, for they remind us of our responsibility to be good stewards. The Bible encourages us to seek justice and show mercy (Micah 6:8), and this applies to our interactions with animals as well.

Here are some practical ways we can balance caring for all of God’s creation without becoming extremists:

1. Respectful consumption: When it comes to food choices, we don’t have to become Vegans, but we can consider consuming ethically sourced and sustainable products. Supporting local farmers who raise animals humanely is one way to show care for God’s creatures.

2. Responsible stewardship: Whether we have pets, work with animals, or encounter them in the wild, we should treat them with kindness and respect, acknowledging our role as caretakers.

3. Advocacy and education: Engage in conversations about ethical treatment and responsible animal husbandry, seeking to raise awareness and promote positive change.

4. Gratefulness and prayer: Develop a heart of gratitude for all of God’s creation, recognizing that animals are part of His marvelous design. Offer prayers of thanksgiving for the blessings they bring to our lives.

As we navigate the complexities of our world and varied opinions, let us strive to strike a balance between caring for all of God’s creation without losing sight of our primary role as stewards. By doing so, we honor the Creator’s intent and express His love to all living beings, aligning ourselves with His divine purpose.

Our affectionate care for our pets reflects the compassion that God has for all living beings, including animals. In Matthew 10:29, Jesus reminds us, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.” If our Heavenly Father cares for the smallest creatures, how much more should we, who bear His image, show love and concern for them?

However, in our devotion to our pets, we must remember to strike a balance and avoid extremes. Our love for animals should not overshadow our love and care for fellow humans. God has called us to love one another (John 13:34) and to show kindness and compassion to all people. At times, our love for pets might be so deep that it reveals our capacity to care, but we should never neglect the needs of those around us.