Our Sacred Stewardship: Why Caring for Animals Is Part of Our Divine Responsibility

 

Since the beginning of time, humanity has been entrusted with a sacred calling: to care for God’s creations. From the animals who roam wild prairies to the tiny kitten trembling on a roadside, every life carries a spark of divine intention. Scripture tells us that righteous stewardship is not ownership, it is guardianship.

In a world where animals increasingly depend on the compassion of humans to survive, our stewardship isn’t optional. Co-existing and caring for God's creations is part of who we are meant to be.

Created With Purpose, Trusted With Care

When God created the earth, He called His work good. Then He placed humanity in the garden “to dress it and to keep it,”  not to exploit, but to cultivate and watch over with intention and gentleness.
Animals were entrusted to us as living souls, deserving of care, comfort, and dignity.

Whether it’s a barn cat, a service dog, or a wild creature crossing our path just once, each life reflects the creativity and loving nature of its Creator.

When we nurture an animal, we are participating in God’s ongoing work of healing and restoration and reflecting our Edenic nature “to dress it and to keep it".

Compassion Reveals Character

The way we treat the voiceless is a reflection of our deepest character. Proverbs teaches that “the righteous care for the needs of their animals.”  

Not every person can adopt, foster, or run a rescue, but everyone can embody compassion:

• Leaving water outside on a hot day

• Driving a little slower because wildlife crosses the road

• Donating a bag of food

• Offering shelter to a stray

• Supporting ethical farms and humane practices

• Teaching children to be gentle with every living creature

Stewardship is the person who pulls over on a highway to save helpless kittens.

It’s the neighbor who feeds the stray until help arrives.
It’s the rancher who treats livestock with respect.
It’s the family who chooses adoption over convenience.
It’s the rescuer who stays up all night to bottle-feed the weak.

When we step in for the vulnerable, we stand in the very place where God intended humans to stand, as guardians, protectors, and healers.