What does the Bible say about spiritual families?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that through faith in Christ, believers become members of God’s household and are called to love one another as a true spiritual family. Ephesians 2:19 says Christians are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God. Jesus teaches in Matthew 12:46-50 that those who do His Father’s will are His brothers, sisters, and mother, placing obedience to God at the heart of this family bond. First Peter 3:8 calls believers to unity, sympathy, brotherly love, tender hearts, and humility. This does not diminish natural family duties, for Colossians 3:20 affirms children’s obedience to parents, but it shows that Christ unites His people in a lasting covenant family.

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • 1 Peter 3:8

    Finally, be all like-minded, compassionate, loving as brothers, tenderhearted, courteous,

  • Ephesians 2:19

    So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God,

  • Matthew 12:46-50

    [46] While he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, seeking to speak to him. [47] One said to him, "Behold, your mother and your brothers stand outside, seeking to speak to you." [48] But he answered him who spoke to him, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?" [49] He stretched out his hand towards his disciples, and said, "Behold, my mother and my brothers! [50] For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother."

  • Colossians 3:20

    Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.

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