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What does the Bible say about family relationships?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that family relationships are gifts from God, calling believers to faithful love, honor, provision, forgiveness, and Christlike speech. Marriage establishes a covenantal union in which husband and wife become one flesh, and children are a heritage from the Lord (Genesis 2:24; Psalms 127:3-5). Children should honor and obey their parents, while parents must nurture rather than provoke them (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-4). Christians are responsible to care for their households, bear with one another, forgive freely, and speak words that build up (1 Timothy 5:8; Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4:29). Above all, love fulfills God’s law and reflects the mercy believers have received in Christ.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • 1 Timothy 5:8

    But if anyone doesn't provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

  • Ephesians 6:1-4

    [1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise: [3] "that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth." [4] You fathers, don't provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

  • Psalms 127:3-5

    [3] Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward. [4] As arrows in the hand of a mighty man, So are the children of youth. [5] Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They won't be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.

  • Exodus 20:12

    "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.

  • 1 Peter 4:8

    And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins.

  • Colossians 3:13

    bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.

  • Ephesians 4:29

    Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.

  • Romans 12:2

    Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

  • Genesis 2:24

    Therefore a man will leave his father and his mother, and will join with his wife, and they will be one flesh.

  • James 2:8

    However, if you fulfill the royal law, according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well.

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