Letting someone go, whether in a relationship or a situation, can be difficult, but the Bible offers guidance on when it’s time to move on. Scripture encourages forgiveness, wisdom, and trusting God’s plan, even when it means letting go of something or someone. Let’s explore what the Bible says about releasing what we can’t control and trusting God’s guidance.
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What Does The Bible Say About Letting Someone Go
Matthew 5:44
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
This verse encourages us to let go of any feelings of bitterness or resentment towards those who have wronged us. Instead, we are called to love them and pray for them, releasing them from our negative emotions.
Letting someone go in this context means releasing them from our desire for revenge or retribution, and instead choosing forgiveness and showing them God’s love.
Proverbs 19:11
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
This verse reminds us that wisdom can help us be patient and overlook offenses. It teaches us the importance of not holding on to every offense and learning to let go of minor grievances for the sake of peace and harmony.
Letting someone go can mean choosing to overlook and forgive the offenses they may have caused, understanding that holding onto grudges only causes unnecessary strain and turmoil in our own lives.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
This famous passage on love reminds us of the selfless and forgiving nature of true love. Letting someone go can mean releasing them from the burden of our expectations and choosing to love them unconditionally, regardless of their flaws or mistakes.
By letting go of the need to keep a record of wrongs, we free ourselves from bitterness and allow love to prevail.
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in our own lives. Letting someone go involves forgiving them for the hurt they have caused and releasing any grudges or feelings of resentment.
Forgiveness is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God, and by extending it to others, we experience the freedom and peace that comes from letting go of negative emotions.
Ephesians 4:31-32
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
This verse instructs us to eliminate negative emotions and actions from our lives. Letting someone go means relinquishing bitterness, anger, and any desire for revenge.
Instead, we are called to show kindness, compassion, and forgiveness as Christ has forgiven us. By doing so, we free ourselves from the emotional burden of holding onto grudges and allow God’s love to flow through us.
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
This verse encourages us to be patient with one another and extend forgiveness, just as God has forgiven us. Letting someone go involves releasing any grievances or offenses we may hold and choosing to forgive.
By following this biblical instruction, we can mend relationships and experience the freedom that comes from letting go of past hurts.
Luke 6:37-38
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
This powerful verse teaches us the importance of forgiveness and generosity. Letting someone go involves refraining from judgment and condemnation, and instead choosing forgiveness and extending grace.
By practicing forgiveness, we not only free ourselves from the negative effects of holding onto resentment but also open ourselves to receiving the abundant blessings God promises in return.
Genesis 50:20
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
This verse comes from the story of Joseph, who was betrayed and sold into slavery by his brothers. However, Joseph chose to let go of bitterness and instead recognized that God had a higher purpose in allowing his suffering.
Letting someone go can mean trusting in God’s sovereignty, even when others intend to harm us. It involves releasing our desire for revenge and accepting that God can bring about good through difficult circumstances.
Psalm 55:22
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
This verse reminds us to surrender our burdens to God rather than carrying them on our own. Letting someone go can mean entrusting them into God’s care and relying on His strength to sustain us.
By releasing our worries and concerns to God, we can experience peace and stability, knowing that He is faithful and will never allow us to be shaken.
James 1:19-20
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
This verse urges us to exercise self-control and choose our words and actions carefully. Letting someone go can involve being slow to anger and quick to listen, seeking understanding rather than engaging in heated arguments.
By following this biblical principle, we can foster healthy relationships and create an atmosphere of peace and reconciliation.
Proverbs 4:23
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of protecting our hearts and minds. Letting someone go can involve safeguarding ourselves from negative influences and refusing to allow bitterness or resentment to take root.
By keeping our hearts focused on God’s truth and love, we can navigate relationships with wisdom and discernment, maintaining emotional and spiritual well-being.
Romans 12:17-19
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
This passage encourages us to refrain from seeking revenge and instead strive for peace and reconciliation. Letting someone go means entrusting justice to God and refusing to take matters into our own hands.
By choosing forgiveness and allowing God to work in the situation, we create space for healing and restoration, both within ourselves and in our relationships.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
This verse teaches us the importance of confidentiality and discretion in relationships. Letting someone go means refusing to gossip or dwell on their offenses.
By covering over offenses and showing love through discretion, we can cultivate trust and maintain healthy, close friendships.
Psalm 37:7
“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
This verse encourages us to trust in God’s timing and justice. Letting someone go means resisting the temptation to fret or become envious when others seem to prosper despite their wickedness.
By choosing to be still before the Lord and patiently waiting for Him, we can find peace and rest in knowing that ultimately, God is in control and will bring justice in His perfect timing.
Proverbs 25:21-22
“If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”
This verse teaches us the transformative power of kindness and generosity. Letting someone go involves responding to their hostility or animosity with acts of love and compassion.
By practicing this biblical principle, we not only demonstrate God’s unconditional love but also open the door for relational healing and reconciliation.
Matthew 18:21-22
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’
This passage highlights the limitless nature of forgiveness. Letting someone go means being willing to forgive them repeatedly, regardless of how many times they have wronged us.
By imitating Christ’s boundless forgiveness, we reflect His grace and mercy in our relationships and foster an atmosphere of reconciliation.
Luke 17:3-4
“So watch yourselves. ‘If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.’
Similar to the previous verse, this passage highlights the necessity of continual forgiveness. Letting someone go requires extending forgiveness to those who genuinely repent and seek reconciliation.
By displaying a forgiving heart, we create opportunities for personal growth, healing, and restoration within our relationships.
Matthew 18:15
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
This verse guides us in the process of addressing conflicts and seeking reconciliation. Letting someone go may involve initiating a loving and respectful conversation with them, pointing out their fault with the intention of bringing about understanding and healing.
By following this biblical approach, we foster open communication and promote the possibility of resolution and restoration.
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of pursuing peace and building up one another. Letting someone go involves making every effort to reconcile and strengthen relationships rather than harboring resentment or seeking to harm.
By actively seeking peace and mutual edification, we contribute to a healthier and more harmonious community of believers.
2 Timothy 2:24-25
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.”
This passage instructs us to approach disagreements and conflicts with kindness and gentleness. Letting someone go involves avoiding quarrels and instead seeking to instruct others with humility and love.
By adopting this teaching posture, we create space for understanding, repentance, and ultimately, reconciliation.
Matthew 7:3-5
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
This powerful passage reminds us of the importance of self-reflection and personal growth. Letting someone go requires examining our hearts and addressing any faults or shortcomings within ourselves.
By focusing on our own growth and transformation, we can approach others with humility and grace, fostering an environment that encourages healing and restoration.
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.”
This verse speaks of God’s ability to bring about new beginnings and restoration. Letting someone go involves releasing the past and embracing the newness that God has in store.
By entrusting our hurts and disappointments to God, we can find hope in His promise to make a way in difficult circumstances and bring beauty from ashes.
Isaiah 26:3
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.”
This verse reminds us of the peace that comes from trusting in God. Letting someone go involves surrendering our anxieties and concerns to Him, anchoring our minds in His faithfulness.
By keeping our focus on God’s promises and placing our trust in Him, we can experience His perfect peace even in challenging relationship situations.
Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
This verse offers a practical instruction on fostering peace in our relationships. Letting someone go includes actively seeking peace and choosing to do good instead of engaging in harmful behavior.
By pursuing peace in our interactions and consistently choosing righteousness, we create an atmosphere conducive to healing and restoration.