As the world commemorates Earth Day on April 22, it’s interesting to explore what the Bible says about the importance of caring for the environment. The late evangelist Billy Graham once noted that “of all people, Christians should be the most concerned for the environment,” explaining that God created the world and entrusted humanity to protect it.
“When we see the world as a gift from God, we will do our best to take care of it and use it wisely, instead of poisoning or destroying it,” Graham wrote.
In a world in which the environment too often becomes a controversial political issue, the Bible actually has quite a bit to say about where God stands on creation.
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Graham explained that Christians certainly shouldn’t worship the Earth, but that they should respect it. With that in mind, he encouraged people to realize that God made humans accountable for how they treat nature.
This theme was invoked in an episode of the podcast “Pure Talk” when panelist Kirsten Haglund described the importance of creation care.
“We are called to be good stewards of the Earth and not to waste and to care for the environment — [to] steward God’s creations,” Haglund said.
As it turns out, the Bible includes a number of verses that speak to God’s views on his creation as well as on the importance of treating the Earth well. Here are 10 of those scriptures:
Genesis 2:15 (NIV)
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
This Bible verse doesn't get any clearer about God wanting us to take care of the earth! Literally from the first book of the Bible, we're told that man has the responsibility to care for the earth. That may look like caring for and watching out for our fellow man, recycling appropriately, or taking steps to preserved any endangered animal population. Through prayer, we can discern how God was us individually to take care of this world He created.
Revelation 4:11 (NIV)
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
God created all things - even everything we see in nature and the earth around us. This verse reminds us to give thanks to God when we stop and see a pretty sunset or get to the lookout point of a beautiful hike. He decided to share that beauty with us, and for that we should be grateful.
Proverbs 12:10 (NIV)
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals.”
God created us for community. Our community even includes the animals, which this Bible verse reveals that we are to take for them, as part of that community. Righteously caring for animals looks like caring for the earth and their environment; so for example, not littering in the ocean where the dolphins and fish live, or spraying harsh pesticides in our yard for the critters that could be harmed.
Looking for more ways to understand God's creation? Watch 'The Case for Creation' right now on Great American Pure Flix
Ephesians 1:8-10 (NIV)
“With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.”
God created the entire ecosystem to work together and be in harmony. We are all united in the fact that we are all God's creatures. Let us remember this in order to respect all other creatures around us.
Psalm 95:5 (NIV)
“The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land."
This Bible verse reminds us that everything under the sun is God's. When we see a beautiful sight in nature, visit someplace new and admire it's beauty, we should thank God for the earth He created and the opportunity for Him to show us all the corners of the earth.
Genesis 1:3-5 (NIV)
“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light ‘day,’ and the darkness he called ‘night.’ And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.”
You may not think too much about it, but God in fact did create night and day, as well as all hours of the day, for a certain purpose. We are called to honor night and day, giving thanks to God for how much can change in 24 hours. We can also give thanks for a beautiful moon, a goregous sunrise or a stunning sunset!
Read Also: 11 Bible Verses About Nature & God's Power Over Creation
Psalm 24:1 (NIV)
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”
Again, this Bible verse reveals that God wants us to remember the earth is indeed His, everything created here solely belongs to Him. Just as we are called to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, we are also called to love the earth simply because it is God's creation.
Genesis 1:26 (NIV)
“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’"
This scripture from Genesis shows us that God created humans to be superior beings to the rest of the ecosystem He created here on earth. It also reminds us that we are made in the image and likeness of God - something to be celebrated!
Psalm 89:11 (NIV)
“The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth; you founded the world and all that is in it.”
These verses show that God cares for his creation — and expects us, as Christians, to do the same. This could look like taking small steps to use less plastic or paper products, shop secondhand for clothing and household items where you can, or donate old clothing.
Ways to Connect With God Through Nature
As the weather gets warmer, you might be looking for ways to be better connecting with God outside. Here are some quick tips worth considering:
Go on Prayer Walks
Prayer walks are just one of the ways to be better connecting with God outside. Shed your headphones and any other distractions and head out for a walk during which you praise God — and seek Him. This is an amazing time to enjoy His creation as you focus on His love for you.
Do Devotions Outdoors
Another way to engage with God while enjoying the outdoors is to set out a blanket or sit outside on a chair while you read the Bible and journal. Or perhaps you want to listen to praise and worship music. Either way, use time outdoors to devote yourself to the Lord.
Ponder the Wonder of It All
Another way to be connecting with God outdoors is to intentionally ponder His creation — the trees, the clouds and all of the wonder — and to spend time in gratitude for all of the beauty He has given us. It is very easy to ignore or look past the amazing and complex things before us, but simply taking the time to ponder the wonder of it all can help change our mindsets and guide us closer to the Lord.
If you're looking for movies or shows that show the beauty and wonder of God's earth, stream "Peace River," "Birthright: Outlaw," "Romance at the Vineyard," "Seven Days in Utopia" and much more right here on Great American Pure Flix. Not a member? Sign up for a free 7-day trial.
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