Having a pet can be very satisfying, providing a much-needed companion to a lot of people. That’s why some people treat their pets as human beings, providing them with human-like quality of life. Although it may not be the same as having another person in the house, it can be a very good substitute.
Pets can be pretty expensive to care for, especially when they are sick. Sometimes, like humans, pets can also be diagnosed with incurable diseases.
Since pet-owners are very attached to their pet, it is heart-breaking for them to see their pets suffering. They resort to all sorts of medical solutions, regardless of the cost. They even ask others to pray for them. Is it okay to ask God to heal them? What do you think?
“God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.” [Genesis 1:25]
The answer is YES. It’s okay to ask God to heal your pets.
The Bible teaches us that God created animals. They aren’t exempt from natural life processes any more than humans are. Genesis 1:24-25 says, “God created the animals, from the beasts of the earth to the creeping insects.” Scripture even tells us that, “the breath of life resides within them” [Gen. 7:15]. By virtue of our creation in the image of God, we humans are uniquely special in comparison to all of creation, but that does not mean the rest of creation has no value to God or that he doesn’t delight in it.
When God created animals, he declared their creation to be “good” [Gen. 1:25]. At the conclusion of the creation account in Genesis 1, God looked at “all he had made and declared it very good” [. 31].
Creation was “very good” when considered in its totality, not only in reference to humans. Humans are the crowning achievement of God’s creative activity. As His image bearers, we possess something of the divine that nothing else in creation possesses. However, we should not let that truth cloud our appreciation for the rest of creation or diminish our responsibilities toward it.
God put animals on the planet and gave them a mandate as well. Part of the human calling is to help them fulfill this mandate in a way that enables them to reach their full potential in creation. They not only enrich our lives, but they point to the creator of all things. Animals are not only worthy of our respect, but they deserve it.
Are you a pet-lover? Does this question also cross your mind? Share your thoughts with us!
