Dear Foothills Community Church family:

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today, I want to share with you a message close to the hearts of many in our congregation —our love of pets, and how this love is supported by Scripture.

As Seventh-Day Adventists, we cherish the teachings of the Bible, which guides us in all aspects of our lives, including our relationship with animals. The Word of God tells us that God’s creation is good, and all living beings are part of His divine plan. 

In Genesis 1:25, it says, “God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.” This verse reminds us that animals are part of God’s creation and deserve to be treated with love and respect.

Furthermore, the Bible teaches us about compassion and care for animals. Proverbs 12:10 states, “A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” Solomon emphasizes the importance of showing kindness and compassion to animals, as it reflects our righteousness and godly character.

Additionally, many Christian theologians and authors have written about the significance of pets in our lives. C.S. Lewis, a renowned Christian apologist, once said, “The love for animals is one of the noblest attributes of human beings.” This statement resonates with our belief that our love for pets reflects our ability to emulate the unconditional love that God has for all His creation. 

As a congregation, let us continue to foster a culture of love and care for our pets. Let us be responsible pet owners, providing them with proper care, nutrition, and a safe environment. Let us also be advocates for animal welfare in Arizona and speak up against cruelty and abuse towards animals. Our love for pets is not only supported by Scripture but is also an expression of our faith and belief in the sanctity of all life.

In conclusion, let us be mindful of our love for pets and how it aligns with the teachings of the Bible. As we continue to live out our faith as a church family, may we demonstrate our love for animals and be a shining example of God's compassion and care towards His creation. 

May our pets be a blessing in our lives and a testament to our faith in the Creator.

Blessings,

The Dog Dad: Randy Bailey

P. S. This Sabbath, my friend Elder Mark Sulgar will be our guest speaker at Foothills. Let's give him and his family a warm and loving Foothills Welcome! I know our church will be blessed, enriched and inspired through Mark's ministry of the Word. 

Thanks for your dedicated service to Jesus and his church!

With love,

Duff