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What does the Bible say about broken relationships?

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The Bible teaches that broken relationships are grievous realities of life in a fallen world, yet God calls his people to repent, love sincerely, pursue peace where possible, and trust him to heal what sin has wounded. First Corinthians 13:1-13 shows that love, not mere words or gifts, is essential to faithful relationships. Psalm 51:17 assures the repentant that God welcomes a broken and contrite heart, while Psalm 147:3 declares that he heals the brokenhearted. Ephesians 6:4 calls parents to patient, gospel-shaped care, and 2 Timothy 4:9-11 shows both the pain of abandonment and the possibility of restored usefulness. Romans 8:28 anchors believers in God's wise purpose even amid unresolved hurt.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

    [1] If I speak with the languages of men and of angels, but don't have love, I have become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. [2] If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don't have love, I am nothing. [3] If I dole out all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but don't have love, it profits me nothing. [4] Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, [5] doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; [6] doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; [7] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. [8] Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will be done away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease. Where there is knowledge, it will be done away with. [9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; [10] but when that which is complete has come, then that which is partial will be done away with. [11] When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child. Now that I have become a man, I have put away childish things. [12] For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, even as I was also fully known. [13] But now faith, hope, and love remain--these three. The greatest of these is love.

  • Romans 8:28

    We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.

  • Psalms 51:17

    The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

  • Ephesians 6:4

    You fathers, don't provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

  • Psalms 147:3

    He heals the broken in heart, And binds up their wounds.

  • Psalms 71:20

    You, who have shown us many and bitter troubles, You will let me live. You will bring us up again from the depths of the earth.

  • 2 Timothy 4:9-11

    [9] Be diligent to come to me soon, [10] for Demas left me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. [11] Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministering.

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