August 31
Compassion for
All Creatures
"Those who do what is right take good care of their animals. But the kindest acts of sinful people are mean."
Proverbs 12:10 (NIrV)
Ben and Claire strolled through the zoo, the crisp autumn air carrying the scent of damp earth and popcorn. Families laughed, children pointed excitedly, and cameras clicked as people captured moments with animals they might never see in the wild.
Claire stopped in front of the lion enclosure. A magnificent male lion lay stretched on the artificial rock, his golden mane shifting slightly in the breeze. His eyes were open but distant, gazing at something far beyond the thick glass.
"Do you think he’s happy?" Claire asked, tilting her head.
Ben shrugged. "He’s safe. Fed. No hunters, no starvation."
"But no freedom," Claire countered. "God made these animals to roam, to hunt, to live wild. Not to be stared at through glass."
They continued walking, pausing at the elephant habitat. One of the elephants swayed back and forth in a slow, rhythmic motion. Claire frowned. "That’s a sign of stress. It means they’re not okay."
Ben exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I mean, zoos do good things, right? Conservation, protection from extinction. Some animals wouldn’t survive in the wild."
Claire nodded slowly. "But should we accept keeping them like this? What if God never intended for His creatures to be behind bars?"
Ben was silent for a moment. As they watched, a young girl pressed her hands against the glass, giggling at a chimp swinging on a rope. The chimp paused, looking at the child with dark, intelligent eyes. Ben felt something stir in his chest—an unease, a question he couldn’t shake.
That night, before bed, he prayed. "God, You made every creature with care and purpose. Help me to see them as You do, not as objects, but as part of Your creation. Show me how to treat them with kindness and wisdom."
The next morning, Ben did something small but meaningful—he researched sanctuaries, places where rescued animals could live with more space and freedom. Change wouldn’t happen overnight, but maybe awareness was the first step.
Claire smiled when he told her. "Compassion isn’t just for people," she said. "It’s for everything God made."
Prayer:
Father God,
You created this world with love, shaping each creature with care.
Help us to see animals as part of Your beautiful creation, not just as entertainment or property.
Give us wisdom to protect and care for them in ways that honor You.
Let our compassion extend beyond ourselves, reflecting the kindness and justice You desire.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
