Creation Care in the Bible

Creation care flows directly from the calling God gives humanity in the opening pages of Scripture. After making the world and declaring it "very good," God placed the man in the garden "to work it and take care of it" (Genesis 2:15). From the beginning, humanity receives a responsibility of stewardship: not to exploit the earth without limit, but to manage it wisely as something entrusted by the Creator. The Bible affirms that the earth belongs to God, not to humanity: "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it" (Psalm 24:1). Man is therefore only a steward, called to give an account of his management. Creation itself gives glory to God: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands" (Psalm 19:1). To respect creation is to honor the One who made it. Scripture also teaches that creation suffers the consequences of sin and awaits its deliverance. Paul writes that "the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth," in the hope of being set free from its bondage to decay (Romans 8:19-22). Caring for creation is thus woven into the hope of the redemption of all things. In this way, these verses invite the believer to a responsible and grateful way of life. Caring for nature is not merely an ecological choice but an act of obedience and love toward God, who has entrusted his handiwork to human hands.