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More and more frequently I am hearing pet owners make statements about loving their dogs and cats more than people in general, children and their own family members. Now granted, dogs and cats are great companions, but do you think that God is pleased when people love animals more than their next door neighbor?
Pets give you unconditional love, comfort you even if you are wrong, give you a kiss when no one else wants too, does stupid tricks because it pleases you, lets you take out your frustrations on it without talking back. Pets can be better than some neighbors and even family members. I think God makes very good use of the animals he has given us for pets. Maybe their purpose is to do all the above for an otherwise misunderstood lonely person. Maybe their purpose is to teach a person who has never been loved that they have to give love first
2) I'm sure that since God created animals that he is pleased that some people are very in tune with them and love and protect them from humans that don't give a dang what happens to them.
3) If you met my neigbor (the one I don't like) you'd love any animal more than him...oops did I type that out loud?!
4)I do rescue...so I'm a little biased. Once you see the abuse and neglect people have no problem doing to wonderful animals then you might understand why some people hold animals in higher regard than humans.
I also agree with Blue. Dogs are much more loyal and trusting than many people. It's not surprising that people become very attached to their pets. Just ask June about her dog Misha.
I also agree with Blue. Dogs are much more loyal and trusting than many people. It's not surprising that people become very attached to their pets. Just ask June about her dog Misha.
but do you think that God is pleased when people love animals more than their next door neighbor?
As someone who lives next door to a narcissistic NUT, I suppose I have to ponder your question...
I am not so sure I can address god's displeasure as regards those who love their pets more than their neighbor, however, I do feel that pets can provide something on a very deep level emotionally that we tend to think that human's often cannot. Personally, I think it is a problem if someone can ONLY love a cat or dog, to the exclusion of real human relationships. That being said, if god wishes to look upon me with displeasure for loving my little five pound "sled dog" (Shih Tzu!) more than my nut-of-a-neighbor, then what can I do?
I guess my question would be how could any god be disapproving of how much love and affection I feel for the little guy? He is a part of what provides joy in my life; he trusts that I will always love him and never abandon him...Isn't that, by a Christian definition, "life giving?"
More and more frequently I am hearing pet owners make statements about loving their dogs and cats more than people in general, children and their own family members. Now granted, dogs and cats are great companions, but do you think that God is pleased when people love animals more than their next door neighbor?
I've met several people who love animals way more than people. This behavior is extreme to me. I believe that you should love all Gods creations equally, but keep an eye open for people and animals who seek to harm you.
Animals rights activists like an other activists, take a good idea too far.
The love that one feels for their pet is instilled in ourhearts by God. I am tremendously bonded to my pets and have mourned the loss of many over the years.I do have more love towards them than some people. However, AGAPE love which I feel for ALL people cannot be duplicated towards animals.
If you are interested due a word study on Agape love, which is what Christ taught us to have for each other.
I think God is pleased when we love and care for any living creature. I don't think having and loving pets is displeasing to God.
Having said that, like anything else in this world, people can take pets to the extreme. (My husband calls cats "brood parasites" because he has so many friends who say they have cats "instead of" children.) I think if you are expending a huge amount of money on special food for your pets, special clothes for your pets, doggie massages, etc., and as a result don't donate to curing disease, fighting poverty, and improving conditions for God's children, God probably wishes you would tweak your priorities.
On the other hand, God probably thinks I spend too much time surfing the Internet too. ;-)
Speaking for myself, love isn't something I can buy at 7-Eleven or turn on and off with a switch. That being said, whether God is pleased with whom I love, be they human or animal, is immaterial to whom I love.
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