Notes of Faith September 21, 2026
Going to the Dogs
Yes, let every one turn from his evil way and from the violence that is in his hands.
Jonah 3:8
Early Methodist preachers noticed something unexpected when revival swept through parts of England. Men who had once cursed their horses, beaten their dogs, and treated animals harshly began showing gentleness even toward creatures under their care. John Wesley taught that the grace of Christ softens the entire heart. Conversion changed not only how people worshiped God and treated neighbors—it even changed how they treated animals.
Prov 12:10
10 A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal,
but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
NIV
When God changes our heart, it affects every relationship we have. When revival came to the city of Nineveh under the preaching of Jonah, people turned away from their evil ways and from feelings of violence. The streets became safer, and the homes became sweeter.
Have you experienced the Lord’s work in your life? Has it affected your interactions with others? It should, and as you walk with Christ, your love, joy, peace, and patience will grow.
True love is an act of the will—a conscious decision to do what is best for the other person instead of ourselves.
Billy Graham
It would be great to have every human interaction start with watching how someone treats animals. They don’t have to necessarily like them, but are they gentle, kind and loving toward animal(s), for if they are, they are more likely to be the same way with you! If you have not tried this before…just look around at how someone treats animals, pets or otherwise, and then compare that to how they treat other humans…there will likely be a correlation between the two.
Love changes everything. Let the Holy Spirit be reflected to others through you… Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Prov 12:10
10 A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal,
but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.
Pastor Dale