As sweltering heatwaves make their way through parts of the world and wildfires ravage treasured landscapes, it becomes abundantly clear that our Earth, God’s splendid creation, is crying out for attention. The magnificence of God’s creation is at risk, and the most vulnerable among us feel the brunt of this environmental challenge. Our brothers and sisters in poverty-stricken areas suffer the most from climate change, urging a response deeply rooted in Christian love and compassion.
During a heartfelt conversation in Malawi, I was confronted with the stark reality: “The hunger season is extending.” Altered rain patterns and unpredictable seasons have crippled harvests, affecting the primary source of sustenance for countless families. What’s more, climate change is not merely an impending crisis. For many, it’s a present-day, existential threat—leading to disrupted homes, loss of biodiversity, tainted air and water, and even fueling conflicts and displacement. A staggering 20 million people are forced from their homes yearly due to extreme climatic shifts.
As God’s children, we are entrusted with the stewardship of this Earth. Scriptures remind us that while we are given dominion over the land (Genesis 1:26), we are not its conquerors. Our role is to tenderly cultivate and protect it, as illustrated by Adam in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15). Somewhere along our journey, however, we’ve lost sight of this sacred responsibility. The consequences are palpable, especially for those least equipped to adapt.
We can’t turn a blind eye to the escalating global changes. Wildfires, hurricanes, droughts, and rising sea levels are evident indicators of our planet’s distress. Communities worldwide bear the brunt of these changes—from the Gulf Coast to Haiti to India. While skepticism may exist in certain evangelical circles, as the evidence mounts, a growing number of believers are acknowledging the gravity of the situation. The global evangelical community, particularly in regions most affected by climate change, has long recognized the urgent need for action. Their commitment is evident in initiatives such as the 2010 Cape Town Commitment.
As followers of Jesus, we are reminded in Matthew 25:40 that service to the “least of these” is service to Him. The environmental challenges disproportionately afflict the vulnerable, calling us to be their allies, echoing 1 Corinthians 12:26: When one of us suffers, we all do.
We’ve been blessed to work with communities deeply impacted by these environmental shifts, and it’s evident: that churches, faith-based entities, and individual believers are well-positioned to champion the cause of the environment. There’s immense hope in the next Christian generation, brimming with energy and vision, capable of crafting a brighter, more sustainable world for all.
As the climate crisis deepens, we must rally together, drawing strength from Scripture and our shared love for God’s creation. We can find solace in Romans 8:21, envisioning a world where creation breaks free from its shackles of decay, shining with the glory intended by our Creator.
