Loving animals is a beautiful reflection of God’s compassion for all living creatures. The Bible makes it clear that animals matter to God. He created them, cares for them, and even commands us to be kind to them. From the birds of the air to the beasts of the field, Scripture is filled with imagery and instruction that highlights the value of animals in God’s creation. However, while it is good and right to love animals, Scripture also reminds us that human beings are made in the image of God, and the call to love people is central to our faith.
When love for animals begins to replace or outweigh our love for people, it’s important to pause and examine our hearts. God’s Word teaches us to love both His creation and His image-bearers. Still, it prioritizes human relationships, especially our call to love our neighbor, care for the poor, honor one another, and live in community. Compassion for animals should not come at the expense of neglecting people.
This post explores what the Bible says about loving animals, the responsibility we have toward them, and how we can maintain a balanced, godly love that honors both animals and humans. These verses will inspire compassion while keeping our priorities aligned with God’s heart.
Bible Verses About Loving Animals More Than Humans
1. Genesis 1:26
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…”
2. Proverbs 12:10
The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
3. Matthew 10:31
So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
4. Job 12:7-10
Ask the animals, and they will teach you… In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
5. Luke 12:6-7
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God… You are worth more than many sparrows.
6. Psalm 36:6
You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.
7. Ecclesiastes 3:19-21
Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals… All have the same breath.
8. Genesis 9:9-10
I now establish my covenant with you and with your descendants… and with every living creature.
9. Romans 1:25
They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator.
10. Matthew 6:26
Look at the birds of the air… Are you not much more valuable than they?
11. Exodus 23:12
Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest…
12. Psalm 145:9
The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.
13. Jonah 4:11
And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh… and also many animals?
14. Luke 15:7
There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
15. Genesis 2:19-20
Now the Lord God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals… and he brought them to the man to see what he would name them.
16. Deuteronomy 22:6-7
If you come across a bird’s nest… do not take the mother with the young… so that it may go well with you.
17. Isaiah 11:6-9
The wolf will live with the lamb… They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain…
18. Matthew 12:12
How much more valuable is a person than a sheep!
19. Hebrews 2:7
You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor.
20. Psalm 8:6-8
You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet…
21. Proverbs 27:23
Be sure you know the condition of your flocks, give careful attention to your herds.
22. Leviticus 25:6-7
Whatever the land yields during the Sabbath year will be food for you… and for the wild animals in your land.
23. 1 John 4:20
Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.
24. Mark 12:31
Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.
25. Isaiah 65:25
The wolf and the lamb will feed together… They will neither harm nor destroy…
26. Genesis 6:19-20
You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures… to keep them alive with you.
27. Proverbs 14:21
It is a sin to despise one’s neighbor, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.
28. Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition… but in humility value others above yourselves.
29. Matthew 25:40
Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
30. James 3:9
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.
31. Isaiah 1:11-17
Stop bringing meaningless offerings… Seek justice, defend the oppressed.
32. 1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
33. Matthew 22:37-39
Love the Lord your God… and love your neighbor as yourself.
34. Colossians 3:12-14
Clothe yourselves with compassion… forgive as the Lord forgave you… and over all these virtues put on love.
35. Titus 3:2
Be peaceable and considerate, and always gentle toward everyone.
Our Thoughts On What the Bible Says About Loving Animals More Than Humans
God deeply cares about animals. He created them with intention, beauty, and purpose. He gave humans the responsibility to care for them with kindness and integrity. However, the Bible consistently upholds that human beings are made in God’s image and therefore bear a unique and sacred value. When our compassion for animals overshadows our love and responsibility for people, we step outside of God’s design.
True biblical love includes both honoring creation and prioritizing human dignity. Loving animals is good and godly, but never at the expense of neglecting our duty to love others. God wants our hearts to reflect His, full of mercy toward all living things, yet rooted in a love that always seeks to uplift people, heal broken relationships, and serve humanity. We are called to be stewards of creation and ministers to one another.
Say This Prayer
Lord, thank You for the beauty of Your creation and the animals that remind us of Your care and creativity. Help me to love them with compassion and treat them with kindness. But more importantly, teach me to love people with Your heart. May I never elevate created things above those made in Your image. Give me a balanced heart, one that honors both creation and the call to love my neighbor. Shape my love so that it always reflects Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.