Caring for the planet has become a political issue. People on the “left” generally associate with pro-environmental concerns, while some conservatives don’t seem to prioritize the planet as much. Misinformation and agendas abound on both sides, yet fear-based perspectives and propaganda shouldn’t keep Christians from seeking God’s truth on the topic.
Our relationship with the planet has both a biblical and theological history. From scriptural themes, ancient Christians and theologians believed caring for the environment was a sacred duty. They viewed the natural world as a creation of God, deserving respect and stewardship. St. Francis of Assisi believed preaching the Gospel to “every creature” (Matthew 28) included nature.
Saint Patrick, often associated with Ireland’s rich natural landscape, also preached about the importance of living harmoniously with nature. He and other early Christians saw the environment not just as a resource but as a reflection of God’s glory. These theological beliefs were rooted in the idea that all of creation was interconnected, and harming nature would ultimately harm humanity. Along with Scripture, Jesus followers have a duty to steward creation.
Here are seven Bible verses about nature that encourage us to care for the planet.
“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’”
God gives humanity stewardship over the earth, emphasizing our responsibility to care for the planet.
In this mandate, God grants humans dominion over all living creatures and the environment. However, dominion does not imply exploitation or abuse. God intended responsible stewardship. The word “subdue” in the context of Genesis implies bringing godly, good order and harmony to creation, reflecting God’s own care and love for what he has made as his earthly representatives.
By commanding humanity to “rule over” nature, God entrusts us with the duty to manage and protect the environment. Remember, Jesus taught servant leadership, not abusive or coercive rule (Matthew 20:25-28). In addition, Jesus taught humble servant leadership when he washed the disciples’ feet before the Passover meal, the Last Supper (John 13:4-5). Humanity’s responsibility includes ensuring the well-being of all living things and maintaining the ecological balance. The notion of stewardship stems from the understanding that the Earth is God’s creation, and we are caretakers who must honor his work.
By fulfilling this mandate, we honor God’s command and demonstrate our reverence for his creation, acknowledging that we are part of a larger, interconnected system designed by God.
“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number — living things both large and small.”
These verses celebrate the diversity and complexity of God’s creation, emphasizing the intricate wisdom behind it, inspiring us to care for the planet.
This psalm reveals God’s craftsmanship, creating a world rich with life. The phrase “in wisdom you made them all” reveals the intentional design and careful planning that went into every aspect of nature. Acknowledging the vastness and richness of God’s works, we recognize the profound value of each element in the ecosystem.
The author’s admiration for the sea and its countless creatures teaches the importance of every part of creation. The sea, described as “vast and spacious,” serves as a habitat for various life forms, illustrating the interconnectedness of all living things. This interconnectedness calls for a respect and responsibility towards nature, as the health of one part affects the whole, just as the New Testament uses our physical body to symbolize the church (1 Corinthians 12:12-14).
In appreciating God’s wisdom and creation’s beauty, we are encouraged to protect and preserve the environment. Caring for the planet becomes an act of worship, honoring the Creator by maintaining the integrity of his works.
“You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”
The prophet Isaiah paints a vivid picture of nature rejoicing, inspiring us to care for the planet, seeing God’s activity through Creation.
Mountains and hills bursting into song and trees clapping their hands personifies nature, illustrating its active participation in the celebration of God’s creation. The prophet reminds us, the natural world is not merely a backdrop for human activity but a vital, dynamic part of God’s creation that expresses joy and peace.
By portraying nature as joyous and harmonious, Isaiah 55:12 emphasizes the interdependence between humans and the environment. The verse suggests when humanity lives in alignment with God's will, peace and joy will flow not just through people but through all of creation. This harmonious relationship calls us to actively care for and protect the environment, ensuring it remains a source of joy and peace.
When we engage in conservation efforts, reduce our ecological footprint, and promote sustainability, we contribute to the ongoing symphony of nature’s praise. Isaiah 55:12 inspires us to foster and maintain an environment where the natural world can thrive, ensuring that the mountains, hills, and trees continue to sing and clap, glorifying God in harmony with humanity.
“I brought you into a fertile land to eat its fruit and rich produce. But you came and defiled my land and made my inheritance detestable.”
Although much later than the command to Adam and Eve, Jeremiah reiterates the responsibility humans have to care for the environment, now emphasizing the consequences of neglect and exploitation.
God speaks through the prophet, telling Israel’s people he provided them with a fertile and abundant land. This provision was not only a blessing but also a trust. The fertile land symbolizes God’s generosity and his creation’s bountifulness, meant to be enjoyed and sustained by its inhabitants.
However, the verse also highlights human failure to honor this trust. The people defiled the land and made God’s inheritance detestable through their actions. The defilement began with idolatry, worshipping other gods than Yahweh, which led to oppression, violence, and sexual sin. As God created the planet, rebellion against him spiritually effects the land physically. The Bible mentions several times how violence defiles the earth (Genesis 6:11-13, Numbers 35:33, Isaiah 24:5-6, Hosea 4:1-3).
We can only properly perform our stewardship over the earth in submission to God, with his ways and care. Otherwise, through sin, we will not only abuse ourselves and others but the physical earth as well, despite how we try to support an environmental agenda. Without God as King, we fail. Our righteousness and proper spiritual worship properly guides human stewardship.
“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, so that people are without excuse.”
The New Testament continues to point to nature. Nature reveals God’s character, urging us to care for the planet as a means of honoring and preserving divine revelation. As designer, the creator can be seen through his wonderful creation.
Nature testifies to God’s eternal power and divine nature. Through the beauty, complexity, and order of creation, we witness tangible evidence of God’s invisible qualities. Mountains, oceans, forests, and the vast array of living creatures all reflect God’s creativity, wisdom, and sustenance. By observing and experiencing nature, we gain a deeper understanding of the Creator.
Given this profound connection, caring for the environment becomes an act of reverence toward God. When we protect and preserve nature, we maintain the clarity with which God’s displays his qualities. Environmental degradation, pollution, and exploitation not only harm the planet but also obscure the revelation of God’s divine nature through his creation.
Romans 1:20 reminds us that we are without excuse when it comes to recognizing God’s presence in the natural world, which carries a responsibility to steward the earth thoughtfully and sustainably. By engaging in practices that protect ecosystems, conserve resources, and reduce harm, we uphold the integrity of the natural world as a reflection of God’s power and divinity.
“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time” (Romans 8:22).
Further in Romans, Paul personifies nature like Isaiah does. Here, the apostle vividly illustrates the suffering and longing of nature, encouraging us to care for the planet as part of our Christian duty to alleviate creation’s groans.
Since God gave Adam and Eve authority over the planet, their fall (and ours) subjected the whole earth to entropy and death. Thankfully, through Christ, humanity can be redeemed, and as we are born again, our reconciliation also ultimately leads to the earth’s renewal, as well (Romans 8:19).
The imagery of creation groaning like a woman in childbirth emphasizes the intense suffering and anticipation for renewal. It reflects the consequences of human sin and the resulting environmental degradation. Pollution, deforestation, and climate change are modern manifestations of these groans, showing how the natural world suffers due to human actions.
Paul calls Christians to acknowledge the interconnectedness between humanity and the environment. We fulfill our role first to live as reborn believers, in submission to Christ, and then alleviating the groans of creation through sustainable practices and environmental conservation.
Romans 8:22 also conveys a message of hope. The pains of childbirth suggest creation awaits a future transformation that will come with the full revelation of God’s kingdom. By caring for the environment, we participate in this redemptive process, aligning our actions with God’s ultimate plan for restoration.
“The nations were angry, and your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your people who revere your name, both great and small — and for destroying those who destroy the earth” (Revelation 11:18).
Even the Bible’s final book speaks concerning the connection between earth and humanity. Here, God’s judgment includes consequences for those neglecting the duty to care for the planet. As Babylon abuses all life — spiritual, physical, financial, governmental — that evil kingdom also abuses the planet. God holds them accountable.
The phrase “destroying those who destroy the earth” signifies how environmental degradation is not just a physical issue but a moral one. It reflects a profound disrespect for God’s creation, which he entrusted to humanity. Oppression over others rebels against God’s created image within humanity, which organically follows to abusing all Creation. By highlighting this aspect of divine judgment, the verse calls Christians to a serious reflection on how their actions impact the environment. Ignoring this responsibility leads to severe consequences and wrath, as harming the environment is as an affront to the Creator.
On the other hand, the verse also mentions the reward for God's servants and those who revere his name. Christ returns in Revelation to redeem all Creation, including those who believe. Faithful stewardship of the earth is part of righteous living. By protecting and nurturing the environment, we demonstrate our reverence for God and align with his will.
Britt Mooney lives and tells great stories. As an author of fiction and non-fiction, he is passionate about teaching ministries and nonprofits the power of storytelling to inspire and spread truth. Mooney has a podcast called Kingdom Over Coffee and is a published author of We Were Reborn for This: The Jesus Model for Living Heaven on Earth as well as Say Yes: How God-Sized Dreams Take Flight.
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