Today we will talk about bible verses about environmental stewardship. Many Christians do not know what this means. Environmental stewardship is about taking care of God’s beautiful creation, which includes our air, water, plants, and animals. As we read through these verses, let’s meditate on our role in protecting the wonderful world God has made for us. It’s about showing love and respect to what God has entrusted to us. Let’s dive into God’s Word and discover how we can be better stewards of the Earth and all its riches.
Bible Verses About Environmental Stewardship
Created to Care
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth and everything in it. We were placed in the garden of Eden not just to enjoy it, but to tend to it. This means that our purpose as stewards is deeply woven into our creation story. We were created to care for the environment. Each day, we are reminded of our charge to nurture the world around us and help it flourish. This call to stewardship is an expression of our gratitude for all that God has given us. We should actively seek ways to cultivate the beauty of creation and respect the resources that sustain us.
Genesis 2:15
“The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.” – Genesis 2:15
Psalms 24:1
“The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” – Psalms 24:1
Job 12:7-10
“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. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?” – Job 12:7-10
Proverbs 12:10
“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” – Proverbs 12:10
Isaiah 11:6-9
“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.” – Isaiah 11:6-9
Respecting Resources
As stewards of God’s creation, we must respect and wisely use the resources He has given us. Every tree, every drop of water, and every breath of fresh air is a gift from God. When we understand that earth’s resources are finite, it encourages us to be more mindful in how we use them. We are called to avoid wastefulness and to care for what we’ve been entrusted with, ensuring the Earth’s bounties remain for future generations. By paying attention to how we utilize resources, we slow down a bit and appreciate the beauty and intricacies of creation more deeply.
Leviticus 25:23
“The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants.” – Leviticus 25:23
Psalms 107:37-38
“They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest; he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased, and he did not let their herds diminish.” – Psalms 107:37-38
Matthew 25:14-30
“Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them.” – Matthew 25:14-30
Ecclesiastes 3:19
“Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals; the same fate awaits them both: as one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath; humans have no advantage over animals.” – Ecclesiastes 3:19
1 Timothy 6:17
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” – 1 Timothy 6:17
Connecting to Creation
Creating a bond with nature helps remind us of God’s greatness. When we connect with the Earth, we can see reflections of His character all around us. The beauty of dawn, the intrigue of a starry night, and the vibrant colors of spring are all masterpieces of God’s creation. Each moment spent in nature provides an opportunity for us to appreciate His work, and it compels us to care for it even more. By nurturing our relationship with the natural world, we nurture our relationship with the Creator Himself.
Romans 1:20
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.” – Romans 1:20
Psalms 104:24-25
“How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom, you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” – Psalms 104:24-25
Isaiah 43:20
“The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen.” – Isaiah 43:20
Genesis 1:31
“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good!” – Genesis 1:31
Acts 14:17
“Yet he has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” – Acts 14:17
Embracing Community Care
We often overlook that environmental stewardship extends beyond individual actions; it encompasses the responsibility we have toward our community, our neighbors, and the world. Together, as part of a greater community, we can collaborate to protect the planet. It emphasizes interdependence, reminding us that every action can contribute positively or negatively to our environment. Working hand in hand with others, we foster a unified effort toward sustainability and care for our shared home.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
1 Corinthians 12:12
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 12:12
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:4
Hebrews 10:24
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24
Advocating for Justice
Being good stewards of the environment also means advocating for justice surrounding issues that impact God’s creation and people’s lives, especially those marginalized. We recognize the intersections of environmental issues and social justice, understanding that taking action in these areas nurtures both the world and its inhabitants. It’s about using our voice and our actions to raise awareness, ensuring that care for the Earth includes every creature great and small, from the tiniest insect to the most vulnerable person in society.
Isaiah 58:6-7
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” – Isaiah 58:6-7
Deuteronomy 10:18
“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.” – Deuteronomy 10:18
Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8
Psalms 146:7
“He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets prisoners free.” – Psalms 146:7
Proverbs 21:13
“Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.” – Proverbs 21:13
Creating Sustainable Habits
Our choices every day can create an impact, whether positive or negative, on the environment. By practicing sustainability, we can ensure that we’re not leaving a burden on future generations. This includes smaller actions like recycling, conserving water, or planting trees, which, over time, create a chain reaction of positive change. When we build habits that reflect our commitment to stewardship, we acknowledge God’s call to value and nurture His creation through our lifestyle choices.
Deuteronomy 20:19-20
“When you lay siege to a city for a long time, fighting against it to capture it, do not destroy its trees by putting an ax to them, because you can eat their fruit. Do not cut them down. Are the trees people, that you should besiege them?” – Deuteronomy 20:19-20
Psalms 104:14
“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth.” – Psalms 104:14
Proverbs 28:27
“Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.” – Proverbs 28:27
Matthew 6:26
“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
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Seeking Renewal
In our understanding of environmental stewardship, we must also consider the importance of renewal and redemption. Our planet has gone through difficult times, and as stewards, we are called to promote healing within creation. Understanding the renewal of the Earth reflects God’s intention to restore, not just forsake or abandon. Together, we should strive towards practices that help to rejuvenate the environment and seek restoration of ecosystems and habitats for all living beings.
Revelation 21:5
“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'” – Revelation 21:5
Isaiah 43:19
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:19
Ezekiel 34:26-27
“I will make them and the places surrounding my hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing.” – Ezekiel 34:26-27
Isaiah 61:3
“And provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” – Isaiah 61:3
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Celebrating Diversity
The diversity in creation is a beautiful testament to God’s creativity. When we recognize that every creature plays a part in the balance of our ecosystem, we come to respect and protect that beauty. Together, we should honor the diversity around us, be it in wildlife, environments, or cultural practices related to stewardship. By embracing this diversity, we can better appreciate God’s intricate design and deepen our commitment to protecting the environment.
Revelation 7:9
“After this, I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” – Revelation 7:9
Psalms 148:1-6
“Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars.” – Psalms 148:1-6
Proverbs 8:30-31
“Then I was constantly at his side. I was filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence, rejoicing in his whole world and delighting in mankind.” – Proverbs 8:30-31
Colossians 1:16
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” – Colossians 1:16
Psalms 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalms 139:14
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on these bible verses about environmental stewardship, we recognize our deep-rooted duty to care for God’s creation. From being mindful of resources to advocating for justice in our communities, each step we take matters. Together, we affirm that every creature and every part of our environment is vital in this beautiful tapestry of life. Let us celebrate diversity and commit ourselves to sustainable practices that honor our environment. God has entrusted us with a great responsibility, and with His guidance, we can nurture and protect the world we share, ensuring it flourishes for generations to come.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4