Navigating relationships with in-laws can be challenging, but the Bible offers wisdom on how to build healthy family dynamics. Let’s explore what Scripture says about honoring family members, setting boundaries, and fostering peace with in-laws.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Daydreaming
What Does The Bible Say About In Laws
Genesis 2:24
Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
This verse speaks to the importance of leaving one’s parents and cleaving to one’s spouse. It emphasizes the priority of the marital relationship over the relationship with in-laws.
Ephesians 5:31
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.”
Similar to Genesis 2:24, this verse reaffirms the principle of leaving one’s parents and prioritizing the marital bond. It underscores the unity that should exist between spouses.
Ephesians 6:2-3
“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”
This verse highlights the importance of honoring both parents, including in-laws. It reminds believers of the principle of honoring and respecting those who have raised and cared for them.
1 Timothy 5:4
But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.
This verse encourages believers to show care and support for their own household, including their parents and in-laws. It emphasizes the importance of familial responsibility and honoring the elderly.
Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
This verse reminds us that in-laws can become like family. It encourages love, support, and loyalty in relationships, even during challenging times.
Ruth 1:16-17
But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.”
Ruth’s words to her mother-in-law Naomi illustrate an admirable commitment and loyalty. This passage teaches us about the importance of maintaining strong bonds and support within families, including with in-laws.
Matthew 19:5
‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’
Similar to the previous references, this verse emphasizes the priority of the marital relationship and the unity that exists between spouses. It reminds believers to prioritize their spouse over their relationship with their parents and in-laws.
Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
This verse reminds believers, including those with in-laws, of the importance of honoring and obeying their parents. It encourages respectful and obedient behavior towards parents and in-laws alike.
Ruth 3:10
And he said, “May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter. You have made this last kindness greater than the first in that you have not gone after young men, whether poor or rich.”
Boaz’s words to Ruth express admiration for her loyalty and faithfulness. This passage teaches us about the value of commitment and how it can be esteemed and respected within the family, including in relationships with in-laws.
Proverbs 31:10-12
An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
This passage extols the virtues and value of a virtuous wife. It speaks to the positive impact a daughter-in-law can have on her husband and the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with in-laws.
1 Corinthians 7:14
For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
This verse speaks to the power of a believing spouse’s influence on their unbelieving partner. It highlights the potential transformation that can occur within a marriage and how it can impact the entire family, including in-laws.
Proverbs 16:9
The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.
This verse reminds us that ultimately, it is God who directs our paths and orchestrates our relationships, including our relationships with in-laws. It encourages believers to trust in God’s sovereignty and guidance.
Proverbs 20:20
If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.
This verse warns against disrespecting or cursing one’s parents or in-laws. It underscores the importance of honoring and showing reverence towards those who have cared for and raised us.
Proverbs 15:20
A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
This verse highlights the joy and satisfaction that comes from having a wise and respectful child. It encourages believers to be wise and honorable in their interactions with their own parents and in-laws.
1 Timothy 5:8
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
This verse emphasizes the responsibility of providing for one’s family, including in-laws. It underscores the importance of caring for and supporting our relatives, both financially and emotionally.
Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.”
This is one of the Ten Commandments that instructs believers to honor their parents and in-laws. It reminds us of the value and significance of respecting and cherishing our familial relationships.
Galatians 6:2
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
This verse encourages believers to support and help one another, including their in-laws, in times of need or difficulty. It reminds us of the importance of showing love and compassion within the family.
Titus 2:4
and so train the young women to love their husbands and children.
This verse speaks to the role of older women in teaching younger women how to love and care for their families, including their husbands and in-laws. It highlights the importance of nurturing healthy relationships within the family.
Proverbs 1:8
Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.
This verse emphasizes the value of listening to and learning from our parents and in-laws. It encourages a teachable spirit and a willingness to receive wisdom and guidance from those who have gone before us.
Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
This passage teaches believers about the importance of forgiveness within relationships, including with in-laws. It reminds us of the need to extend grace and mercy, even when we may be wronged.
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
This verse reminds parents and in-laws of the responsibility to instill godly values and principles in their children’s lives. It encourages intentional parenting and the passing down of faith to future generations.
1 Peter 3:7
Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.
This verse emphasizes the importance of husbands treating their wives, including their daughters-in-law, with understanding and honor. It highlights the significance of maintaining a healthy and respectful relationship within the family.
Proverbs 12:4
An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones.
This verse speaks to the influence and impact that a wife, including a daughter-in-law, can have on her husband. It reminds us of the importance of cultivating a positive and uplifting relationship within the family.