This question matters because many Christians worry that creation care might imply an absolute prohibition against killing animals. If every creature belongs to God, does loving creation require us to preserve every individual insect, even when it threatens human health or damages our homes?
The underlying assumption is that love always excludes killing. Scripture, however, presents a more nuanced understanding.
Genesis 1:26–28 entrusts humanity with dominion over other creatures. Biblical dominion is not domination or exploitation, but wise stewardship exercised under God's authority. Humans are uniquely called to care for creation while also cultivating places where people can flourish.
After the Flood, God tells Noah:
"The fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth... Into your hand they are delivered." (Genesis 9:2, ESV)
This passage acknowledges a changed relationship between humans and animals while still affirming God's covenant with "every living creature" (Genesis 9:10). Human authority therefore exists alongside God's continuing care for all creation.
Scripture consistently condemns cruelty rather than all killing. Proverbs teaches:
"Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel." (Proverbs 12:10, ESV)
The issue is the posture of the heart. Christians should never delight in causing unnecessary suffering or destroy life carelessly.
Applied to cockroaches or ants, this means distinguishing between nuisance, inconvenience and genuine harm. Cockroaches can spread bacteria and trigger asthma, particularly in children. Certain ant species damage buildings, contaminate food or disrupt electrical systems. In such situations, controlling pests may be a legitimate expression of loving one's neighbour by protecting health and safety.
At the same time, creation care encourages proportionality. We should first ask whether our response is necessary and whether less harmful alternatives are available. Good stewardship often prioritises prevention—such as sealing entry points, storing food properly, removing water sources and maintaining hygiene—rather than relying immediately on widespread pesticide use.
This approach reflects an important biblical principle: humans are caretakers, not owners. Because creation ultimately belongs to God:
"The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein." (Psalm 24:1, ESV)
Our authority over creation is therefore accountable authority.
Creation care also challenges our cultural tendency to label creatures as "good" or "bad" solely according to whether they benefit us. Cockroaches belong in forests and ecosystems even if we do not want them in our kitchens. Ants belong in gardens even if they should not infest food storage.
Thus, Christians can simultaneously affirm that cockroaches have God-given value and decide that they should not inhabit spaces where they threaten human wellbeing.
Love, in this context, is expressed not by refusing all killing but by exercising wisdom, restraint and humility. We seek to minimise unnecessary harm while recognising both human dignity and the intrinsic value of God's creatures.
Thank you for letting us know.
