The act of leaving behind something familiar or letting go can be both liberating and daunting. The Bible acknowledges the significance of leaving and provides guidance for these moments of transition. Join us in discovering these verses that shed light on the journey of leaving.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Beauty Of Creation
Bible Verses About Leaving
Genesis 12:1
The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.”
This verse marks the beginning of Abram’s journey of leaving his familiar surroundings and obeying God’s call. It teaches us the importance of being willing to leave behind our comfort zones and follow God’s leading, even if it means leaving behind our family and friends.
Exodus 3:10
So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”
This verse reveals God’s command to Moses to leave his life as a shepherd in Midian and go to Pharaoh to deliver the Israelites from slavery. It demonstrates God’s desire to use us as instruments of change in the world, and sometimes He may call us to leave behind our occupations or lifestyles to fulfill His purposes.
Ruth 1:16
But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”
Ruth’s declaration to her mother-in-law Naomi showcases her loyalty and commitment to leaving behind her Moabite heritage and embracing the God of Israel. This verse reminds us that leaving can also mean leaving behind our past beliefs and practices and embracing a new way of life and a relationship with God.
Matthew 4:19
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
Jesus’ invitation to His disciples highlights the idea of leaving behind their former occupations as fishermen to become fishers of people. It reminds us that following Jesus requires a willingness to leave behind our old way of life and priorities and embrace a new purpose of serving and sharing the Gospel with others.
Matthew 19:21
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
This verse reflects Jesus’ response to the rich young man who desired eternal life. It underscores the need to leave behind the attachment to worldly possessions and prioritizing them above the call to follow Jesus. It challenges us to examine our hearts and consider what we may need to leave behind in order to fully follow Christ.
Mark 8:34
Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
This verse captures Jesus’ call to self-denial and the willingness to carry our crosses to follow Him. It emphasizes that true discipleship requires leaving behind our selfish desires, ambitions, and comforts, and embracing the path of self-sacrifice and obedience to Christ.
Luke 9:62
Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
This verse serves as a stern reminder not to dwell on the past or look back once we have committed ourselves to follow Christ. It encourages us to let go of any distractions or attachments to the world that hinder us from wholeheartedly serving and advancing God’s kingdom.
Luke 14:26
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.”
This verse may seem harsh, but Jesus is emphasizing the importance of being willing to leave behind even our closest relationships and our own desires. It signifies that our loyalty and commitment to Christ should surpass any other relationship or personal agenda.
Acts 9:6
“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
This verse is part of Jesus’ instructions to Saul (later known as Paul) after his encounter with Him on the road to Damascus. It emphasizes the need to leave behind our previous beliefs, values, and plans and be open to God’s leading even when we may not fully understand His purpose.
Acts 26:17-18
“I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”
These verses represent Jesus’ commission to Paul to leave behind his roles as a persecutor of Christians and become an apostle to the Gentiles. It illustrates that leaving can involve a radical transformation of our purpose and mission in life, as we are called to share the message of salvation and participate in God’s work of redemption.
2 Corinthians 6:17
“Therefore, ‘Come out from them and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.”
This verse encourages believers to separate themselves from the ways and values of the world. It reminds us that leaving may involve distancing ourselves from the ungodly influences and practices around us to maintain our purity and fidelity to God.
Hebrews 11:8
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.
This verse highlights Abraham’s faith and obedience when he left his homeland without knowing the final destination. It underscores the importance of trusting God’s guidance and being willing to leave behind the familiar and comfortable, even when the future is uncertain.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
This verse provides comfort and assurance that as we leave behind what is familiar, God is with us every step of the way. It reminds us that leaving may be accompanied by fear and uncertainty, but we can find strength and courage in God’s constant presence and unwavering faithfulness.
Psalm 37:5
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:
This verse encourages us to entrust our journey of leaving in God’s hands. It reminds us that as we commit our plans and desires to the Lord, trusting in His wisdom and guidance, He will orchestrate our steps and lead us on the right path.
Isaiah 43:18-19
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
In these verses, God calls His people to let go of the past and embrace the new things He is doing. It reminds us that leaving can involve leaving behind old mindsets, grievances, and disappointments, allowing God to bring forth transformation and a fresh start in our lives.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
This well-known verse reminds us that God’s plans for us are good and beneficial. It assures us that as we leave behind what is comfortable or familiar, God has a greater purpose and a future filled with hope and blessings in store for us.
Philippians 3:13-14
Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
These verses by the apostle Paul encourage us to focus on the future and the ultimate prize of heaven. It challenges us to let go of past failures, regrets, and achievements, and instead press forward in our journey of faith, keeping our eyes fixed on the goal of knowing Christ intimately.
2 Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
These verses express Paul’s confidence and satisfaction in leaving a legacy of faithfulness and perseverance in following Christ. It encourages us to run our own race well, knowing that there is a reward waiting for those who remain steadfast and committed to the end.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Jesus’ words in this verse offer us comfort and peace as we embark on the journey of leaving. It assures us that in Christ, we can find a peace that surpasses the world’s understanding, enabling us to face the uncertainties and challenges of leaving with confidence and trust.
Psalm 23:1-3
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
These verses from the beloved Psalm 23 remind us of God’s role as our Shepherd. It assures us that He will lead and guide us in the right paths, providing rest, refreshment, and guidance as we leave behind the familiar and venture into new territories.
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
This verse emphasizes the importance of God’s Word in illuminating our way when we are leaving and facing uncertainty. It reminds us that as we immerse ourselves in His Word, we can find direction, wisdom, and guidance for every step we take.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
These verses provide wisdom for our journey of leaving. They urge us to rely on God’s guidance rather than our limited understanding, acknowledging that as we submit and trust in Him fully, He will direct our paths and bring about His plans and purposes in our lives.
Isaiah 30:21
Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
This verse offers reassurance that as we leave behind the familiar and step into the unknown, God will guide us and direct our paths. It reminds us to listen attentively to His voice, seeking His guidance and following His leading at all times.
Revelation 3:8
I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.
This verse conveys Jesus’ acknowledgment of the church in Philadelphia, commending them for their faithfulness and perseverance. It encourages us to trust that as we leave what is familiar and obediently follow Him, God will open doors of opportunity and provide the strength and resources needed to carry out His will.
Jeremiah 29:13
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
This verse assures us that as we leave behind the known and embark on a journey of seeking after God, He promises to reveal Himself to us. It encourages us to diligently and wholeheartedly seek God’s presence, knowing that He will not disappoint us.
What Does the Bible Say About Leaving?
In the Bible, there are various instances where leaving is discussed. Leaving can refer to physical departure from a place or situation, or it can also have a broader meaning of moving away from certain behaviors, mindsets, or influences.
Firstly, the Bible acknowledges that there are times when leaving a situation or place is necessary. For instance, when God called Abraham to leave his country and his father’s household to go to the land He would show him (Genesis 12:1), it marked the beginning of a new journey and purpose for Abraham. This demonstrates that leaving can sometimes be part of God’s plan for our lives, leading us to new opportunities and growth.
On the other hand, the Bible also warns against leaving in certain contexts. In Hebrews 10:25, believers are encouraged not to forsake assembling together, indicating that leaving the fellowship of other believers is not in line with God’s desire for community and support among His people.
In the spiritual sense, the Bible teaches us the importance of leaving behind our old ways and sinful behaviors. In Ephesians 4:22-24, we are urged to “put off” our former conduct and be renewed in the spirit of our minds. This kind of leaving behind is part of our sanctification process and reflects our decision to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
So, when it comes to “leaving”, the Bible provides a balanced perspective. Sometimes leaving is necessary for growth and obedience to God’s specific calling, while in other situations, leaving behind the wrong things and remaining in community is essential for our spiritual development.