Family relationships can be complicated, and sometimes we face situations where cutting ties seems like the only option. But what does the Bible say about disowning your parents? Scripture places a strong emphasis on honoring parents, but it also acknowledges the complexities of human relationships. Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about family, when it might be necessary to create boundaries, and how to navigate these difficult decisions with grace and wisdom.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Self-Hatred
What Does The Bible Say About Disowning Your Parents
Matthew 10:37
“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our love for God above all other relationships. While familial love is important, it should not overshadow our devotion to God.
Our love and commitment to God should be unwavering, even if it means having to make difficult choices or potentially separating from loved ones.
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, while seemingly harsh, underscores the radical commitment required in following Jesus. The word “hate” here refers to a comparative meaning, that our love for God should surpass our love for anyone else.
Being a disciple of Christ may sometimes require making unpopular choices, even if it means forsaking close relationships for the sake of our faith.
Ephesians 6:2-3
“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
While the previous verses highlight the need to prioritize God over family, this verse reminds us of the importance of honoring and respecting our parents.
Ultimately, following Jesus does not mean disrespecting or disowning our parents, but rather maintaining a balance between our devotion to God and our responsibility to honor our family.
Proverbs 23:22
“Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
Even as followers of Jesus, we are called to listen to and respect our parents, recognizing the importance of the wisdom and guidance they can offer.
This verse encourages us to honor our parents throughout their lives, especially as they grow older and may require our support and care.
Mark 7:10-13
“For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban (that is, devoted to God), then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother. Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.”
This passage highlights the hypocrisy of prioritizing religious traditions over the commandment to honor our parents.
Jesus criticizes those who use a religious loophole to avoid caring for their parents by declaring their possessions as devoted to God (Corban), thereby disregarding their filial responsibilities.
1 Timothy 5:8
“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of taking care of our families and providing for their needs, particularly within the context of immediate relatives.
By neglecting our familial responsibilities, we are not only failing to honor God’s commandments but also failing to live out our faith authentically.
Proverbs 19:26
“Whoever mistreats their father and drives away their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace.”
Disowning or mistreating our parents brings shame and dishonor upon ourselves, as this verse warns.
It is important to remember that while we may have differences and disagreements with our parents, it is crucial to treat them with respect and kindness.
Leviticus 19:3
“Each of you must respect your mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.”
Respect for our parents is an integral part of God’s commandments, as stated in this verse.
Alongside honoring our parents, we are also called to observe God’s appointed times and honor His holy days.
Proverbs 30:17
“The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.”
This verse uses vivid imagery to depict the severe consequences of disrespecting and mistreating our parents.
It serves as a warning against contempt for our elderly parents, urging us to treat them with honor and dignity.
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
Children are instructed to obey and submit to their parents, recognizing that doing so is an act of obedience to God.
This verse teaches the importance of maintaining a respectful and obedient attitude toward our parents, as it pleases the Lord.
Matthew 15:4
“For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’”
Jesus quotes the commandment to honor parents and affirms its significance in this verse.
By highlighting the severity of cursing one’s parents, Jesus emphasizes the importance of showing respect and honor to our parents.
Deuteronomy 5:16
“Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”
The command to honor our parents is restated here, with the added promise of a long and prosperous life as a reward.
By honoring our parents, we align ourselves with God’s commandments and set the stage for His blessings in our lives.
Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”
The fifth commandment given to Moses reinforces the importance of honoring our parents.
By doing so, we ensure God’s favor and blessings in our lives, including longevity in the land He has given us.
Proverbs 10:1
“A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.”
This verse highlights the impact of a child’s choices and behaviors on their parents.
By being wise and making positive choices, we bring joy and happiness to our parents, honoring them in the process.
Proverbs 15:20
“A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of wisdom and respect in our relationship with our parents.
A wise son brings joy to his father, while a foolish man rejects or disdains his mother, causing disharmony within the family.
Proverbs 20:20
“If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.”
This verse warns against the severe consequences of cursing or disrespecting our parents.
Choosing to dishonor our parents can lead to darkness and destruction in our lives.
Proverbs 30:11
“There are those who curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.”
Disobeying the commandment to honor our parents can manifest in various forms, including cursing and not blessing them.
It is important to actively bless and speak well of our parents, showing them respect and gratitude.
Proverbs 20:29
“The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.”
This verse highlights the value and honor that comes with old age.
Gray hair is seen as a symbol of wisdom and experience, deserving of respect and admiration.
Proverbs 23:22-25
“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth and do not sell it—wisdom, instruction and insight as well. The father of a righteous child has great joy; a man who fathers a wise son rejoices in him. May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful!”
This passage not only encourages us to listen to and respect our parents but also highlights the joy and fulfillment that comes with having righteous and wise children.
Our obedience and honor toward our parents bring them joy and allow us to experience the blessings of a harmonious family dynamic.
Proverbs 17:6
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.”
This verse emphasizes the intergenerational blessings and honor that can flow from parent to child and from child to parent.
Having grandchildren brings joy and honor to the elderly, while being proud of our parents reflects the appreciation and esteem we hold for them.
Proverbs 6:20-22
“My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you.”
This passage urges us to cherish and internalize the teachings and guidance of our parents, allowing their wisdom to shape our paths.
By valuing our parents’ words and teachings, we invite their guidance and protection throughout our lives.
Ephesians 6:1
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”
We are called to obey our parents, recognizing that doing so aligns with God’s will.
Obeying our parents is not just an act of respect but also an act of obedience to God Himself.
Proverbs 13:1
“A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.”
Wisdom is displayed in our willingness to listen to and learn from our fathers’ instruction, while foolishness is evident in rejecting or mocking their guidance.
A teachable spirit and humility are important traits in honoring and respecting our parents.
Hebrews 12:9
“Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!”
This verse draws a parallel between the respect we have for our earthly fathers who disciplined us and the submission we should have towards God, our heavenly Father.
By acknowledging the authority and discipline of our earthly fathers, we learn to submit and live in obedience to our heavenly Father.