Bible verses about
Relationships
From the very beginning, relationships with others have been at the core of humanity. We are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26). God recognized at the dawn of creation that, even if surrounded by pristine perfection, it is not good for a person to be alone (Genesis 2:18).
Since we need fellowship with God and with others, we must deliberately cultivate relationships that build us up rather than tear us down, for we are all God’s children and we are forming relationships here that God wants to last for eternity.
Empathy, respect, and humility are the hallmarks of good relationships
Romans 12:15-17
Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Don’t set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don’t be wise in your own conceits. Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men.
Every child of God is a member of His family
Matthew 12:46-50
While he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, seeking to speak to him. One said to him, “Behold, your mother and your brothers stand outside, seeking to speak to you.” But he answered him who spoke to him, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” He stretched out his hand toward his disciples, and said, “Behold, my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.”
Family relationships are based on mutual respect
Exodus 18:7
Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and bowed and kissed him. They asked each other of their welfare, and they came into the tent.
I must never value my earthly relationships over my relationship with God
Luke 14:26
If anyone comes to me, and doesn’t disregard his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he can’t be my disciple.
My relationship with God is like a friendship
Job 29:2-5
Oh that I were as in the months of old, as in the days when God watched over me; when his lamp shone on my head, and by his light I walked through darkness, as I was in my prime, when the friendship of God was in my tent, when the Almighty was yet with me, and my children were around me,
My relationship with God supersedes all other relationships
Mark 10:29-30
Jesus said, “Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or land, for my sake, and for the sake of the Good News, but he will receive one hundred times more now in this time: houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land, with persecutions; and in the age to come eternal life.
I must choose my friends wisely
Proverbs 12:26
A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
God’s children don’t always get along; sometimes separation is necessary
Acts 15:39-40
Then the contention grew so sharp that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and went out, being commended by the brothers to the grace of God.
I must guard against destructive relationships
Proverbs 22:24-25
Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man, and don’t associate with one who harbors anger: lest you learn his ways, and ensnare your soul.
I must put some effort into maintaining and supporting my earthly relationships
1 Corinthians 14:26
What is it then, brothers? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has another language, or has an interpretation. Let all things be done to build each other up.
I should model my relationships with others on Christ’s relationship with me
Ephesians 4:32
And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.
