People who both love animals and the Bible will likely have their favorite verse bookmarked already, but for those who are still looking for that passage they can read as they think about their furred, feathered or scaled friends, here are a few highly recommended ones.
Pet owners, without a doubt, have to care for their pets. It's right there in the Bible.
10 Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast,but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.
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Those who care for their pets are on the right track, as Proverbs 12:10would readily attest. Caring not only for other people but also for the living things that God has entrusted to man is the mark of a righteous person. On the other hand, cruelty to animals is a habit of the wicked, as this passage would remind pet owners everywhere.
Pets like dogs, cats and other animals, when given the right care and proper attention, go on to become loyal and steadfast companions for their owners. It's just as God intended, as this verse from Genesis chapter 2would reveal.
18 Then the Lord God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." 19 Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name.
Somewhere in there is a hint that there's a great importance in choosing what to name one's pets, too.
People who are lonely need not be alone and by themselves, not that God has made for them companions that, given the proper care and love, would be the unfailing loyal to them whatever happens. Whether they are Siamese cats or Budgies or whatever else they are known for, there's a furred or feathered companion that's the right fit for everyone.
That said, it is the responsibility of every pet owner to see to it that their animal friends live healthy, happy lives, as man has been entrusted with their care ever since the beginning, as the first book of Genesisclearly states. As man is made in the image of God, so it follows that all other living things were made for them to responsibly rule over.
26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.
Perhaps most importantly, pet lovers everywhere should remember to be thankful for the miracle of life that has allowed them to spend precious moments with their pets and loved ones. And there's no better way to do just that than to offer praise to the Lord, joining the rest of creation in doing so.
Proverbs 12:10 says, “The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” Kindness to animals is godly. In fact, caring for them is part of our purpose.
Taken by itself, Matt. 7:6 is a weird thing to say: “Don't give holy things to dogs, don't throw your pearls to pigs, lest they trample them under their feet and, turning, tear you to pieces” (author's translation).
In Genesis 9:3-4 God tells us that a person cannot cut off the limb of a living animal. In Exodus, the Ten Commandments reminds us that we are supposed to treat animals with respect and care, particularly those who work our lands.
23 Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds; 24 for riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations.
6 You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: 7 all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, 8 the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas.
“Our perfect companions never have fewer than four feet.” "The purity of a person's heart can be quickly measured by how they regard animals." "Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened." "The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man."
Philippians 3:2: “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.” Proverbs 26:11: “As a dog returneth to his vomit, [so] a fool returneth to his folly.” Luke 16:21: “And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.”
In the biblical. context, dogs are not direct spirit guides, but are perceived as scavengers and the. enemies of the faithful, especially in the Psalter, where groups of dogs (enemies)
Christians don't believe that "going to heaven" happens automatically; it's the result of conscious decisions made during one's life. While the Bible is very specific about the requirements for human salvation, it says nothing about salvation for animals.
The only breed of dog mentioned by name in the Bible is the greyhound (Proverbs 30:29-31, King James Version): "There be three things which do well, yea, Which are comely in going; A lion, which is strongest among beasts and Turneth not away from any; A greyhound; A he-goat also."
Looking again to the unassuming details, an example of Jesus showing practical care for animals is when he encouraged people to trust him by telling them “my yoke is easy” (Matthew 11:28-30). In the modern world, that phrase is something we can easily pass over; however, it is actually very important.
Theologian and Nobel Peace Prize winner Albert Schweitzer summed it up beautifully: Dear God, protect and bless all beings that breathe, keep all evil from them, and let them sleep in peace.Amen.
Ephesians 2:10 reads “For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” But doesn't that contradict what comes two verses earlier: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”
3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. 4 One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
24 The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. 24 The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor. 24 Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.
All people should love and care about animals, especially Christians. Matthew 10:29 says that not one sparrow is forgotten by God, and since He is mindful of them, we should be also. Unfortunately, we have all seen people that call themselves Christians, and yet they are not compassionate toward animals.
The traditional biblical (especially Old Testament) viewpoint among Jews and Christians is that God distinguished man from animals, and gave man control over animals to benefit man, but also that God gave man moral guidelines to prevent cruelty to - or needless suffering by - animals.
Jesus calls us to identify with and to learn from the animals as well. Birds become a model for trusting in God's provision (Matthew 6:25-26; Luke 12:6-7). In the parable of the mustard seed, they also serve as a metaphor for those who make their home in the realm of God (Matthew 13:31-32).
From the beginning of the Bible, we see how important animals are to God. He blesses them, forms covenants with them, enjoys them, and calls them good. Yet, from the beginning of creation, there has also been a special relationship between mankind and animals. One of Adam's first tasks is to name the animals.
Introduction: My name is Kareem Mueller DO, I am a vivacious, super, thoughtful, excited, handsome, beautiful, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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