“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
This opening verse of Scripture reminds us that every living creature is part of God’s design. The Bible repeatedly highlights how humans should relate to animals—through parables, laws, and divine wisdom. These Bible verses invite us to cultivate a respectful and compassionate relationship with the animals entrusted to our care.
“And 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. God made the wild animals according to their kinds... And God saw that it was good.” (Genesis 1:24–25)
“Every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine.” (Psalm 50:10–11)
“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat... and a little child will lead them.” (Isaiah 11:6)
“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.” (Job 12:7–8)
“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?” (Matthew 6:26)
“Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals... He brought them to the man to see what he would name them.” (Genesis 2:19, NIV)
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” (Proverbs 12:10)
“You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you.” (Genesis 6:19)
“Six days do your work, but on the seventh day rest, so that your ox and your donkey may rest.” (Exodus 23:12)
God entrusted creation—and its creatures—to humanity. Whether as companions, helpers, or sources of sustenance, animals deserve respect and kindness. They are neither property to exploit nor objects for amusement, but reflections of God’s creative mystery.
You can:
Pray for animals in need, especially when they are sick.
Join these prayer communities to honor God’s creation:
For courage and divine assistance in the battle against addiction, Psalm 27 offers powerful encouragement:
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14, NIV)
This Psalm reminds us we are never alone in our struggles.
St. Michael the Archangel: For spiritual warfare and liberation from addictive strongholds.
Blessed Carlo Acutis (patron of the internet): Especially for digital addictions (e.g., screen overuse, online pornography).
St. John the Baptist: A model of temperance—ideal for dependencies like alcohol, food, or materialism.
Scripture provides practical wisdom for daily life. This verse from Paul helps evaluate habits that may become addictive:
“‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’—but I will not be mastered by anything.” (1 Corinthians 6:12)