What Can Your DOG Teach You About GOD

Dogs

They’re called many things – from man’s best friend to the reason we can’t have a clean carpet. But try as we may, most of us just can’t stop loving on our wagging, slobbering balls of fur. That’s because they just so happen to mirror some of the attributes of our Maker. As we seek to walk closely with our God we can use our dogs as a guide. Perhaps that’s the reason God, spelled backwards is dog. While reflecting His glory, these pawed pals can help us appreciate God in an altogether furry and slurpy way. Although it’s hardly a perfect comparison (when comparing God, there is no perfect comparison) your everyday mutt could help you understand and therefore serve the One that created us all, dog and man alike. Read on to find out how the everyday K-9 reflects just some of the characteristics of the one true Almighty God.

Galatians 5: 22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Love

Nobody can fully understand the meaning of love unless he's owned a dog. A dog can show you more honest affection with a flick of his tail than a man can gather through a lifetime of handshakes.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Joy

Having your canine companion come and greet you at the door when you come home from a long day at work is one of life’s great pleasures. In the same way, whenever we call upon the name of the Lord – He is there. His joy gives us strength and life. And just as you can’t help but smile when a wagging tail beats against your leg, when your joy overflows into the lives of those around you, they can’t help but get infected with that same joy and delight.

These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. John 15:11

Peace

Studies have shown that dog owners have lower blood pressure and longer life spans, on average, than those without dogs. In other words, dogs aren't just cute and cuddly — they can also significantly improve your physical and mental health.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Forbearance

Your dog will tolerate the strange things you do. He might tolerate being hugged and kissed. He might tolerate being pet on the head. He might tolerate being picked up. He doesn’t like it, but he tolerates it because he loves you and trusts you. Normally we have very little to offer our dogs. A warm lap, a smoky treat, and a good scratch in that perfect spot is all most dogs ask for.

God accepts us as we are where we are. He knows we don’t have it all together, and will take our measly offerings of praise just the same.

Kindness

A dog loves any opportunity to hop in the back of the truck or take a stroll. Showing kindness to others means showing them that you are willing to go places with them because spending time with them is worth it.

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. Titus 3:4-7

Goodness

Reputable scientists now take note of dogs’ sense of fair play and the likelihood that they are at least minimally empathetic. So it seems only fair on our part to conclude that dogs are, intrinsically, good — at least in some realms of dog life. Goodness comes naturally to them.

No one is good but One, that is, God. Mark 10:18

Faithfulness

God is faithful. More faithful than the morning sun, in fact. No matter what happens, he’s true to his character and will not – cannot - change. As far as four legged creatures go, you won’t find a more faithful friend than a dog. Cats surely don’t fit the bill, and we won’t even mention man’s history with snakes. It doesn’t matter if you love or abuse him, a dog will always stick by you through thick and thin – because that’s just how they’re wired. Hounds will hound you with their relentless faithfulness – just like God pursues His children with relentless love.

Generous

They say sharing is caring, and when it comes to dogs, they sure do care to share. A study finds that dogs, like humans, exhibit generosity with their canine “friends” by sharing their beloved treats — and are eager to do so.

And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19