Leaving parents is a natural part of growing up, but it comes with responsibilities. The Bible provides guidance on maintaining honor and love even as children become independent. Today, we’ll explore what Scripture teaches about this journey.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Children Leaving Home
What Does The Bible Say About Children Leaving Their Parents
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 highlights the God-given design for marriage and the principle of leaving parents to establish a new family unit. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the spouse and the unity that comes with becoming one flesh.
While leaving parents can be difficult, it is a necessary step in the process of building a new family and cultivating a healthy marriage relationship.
Proverbs 6:20
“My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.”
This verse encourages children to be obedient to their parents’ commands and to treasure their teachings. It emphasizes the importance of valuing the wisdom and guidance passed down from parents.
Even as children grow older and establish independence, it is essential to maintain respect for the wisdom and instruction of parents.
Proverbs 23:22
“Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
This verse calls children to listen to and honor their parents, recognizing their significant role in giving life and shaping one’s upbringing. It also highlights the importance of caring for aging parents and showing them respect and gratitude.
As children leave home, they should continue to value and cherish their parents, providing love and support throughout the various stages of life.
Ephesians 6:1
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”
This verse emphasizes the commandment for children to obey their parents, framed within the context of their relationship with the Lord. It highlights the importance of honoring parents and aligning their obedience with God’s will.
Regardless of age, children are called to honor and submit to their parents as an expression of their obedience to God.
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
This verse reiterates the instruction for children to obey their parents in all things as an act of pleasing the Lord. It reinforces the idea that honoring parents is not just a societal obligation but a spiritual act of worship.
By submitting to the authority of parents, children demonstrate their reverence for God and His established order.
Deuteronomy 5:16
“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”
This verse emphasizes the commandment to honor parents, promising blessings and prosperity to those who obey. It establishes a strong link between honoring parents and experiencing the goodness of God in one’s life.
Children who honor and respect their parents position themselves to thrive and receive God’s favor in their journey through life.
Matthew 19:19
“Honor your father and mother, and, you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
In this verse, Jesus reaffirms the commandment to honor parents, placing it alongside the commandment to love one’s neighbor as oneself. It implies that honoring parents is a reflection of our love for others and an integral part of living out the greatest commandment.
Honoring parents becomes an expression of love, both towards them and towards God and others in our lives.
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.”
Similar to the previous verse, this commandment in the Ten Commandments emphasizes the importance of honoring parents. It promises a long and blessed life in the land that God has given.
Honoring parents is not only a moral duty but also a means of experiencing God’s blessings and protection in our lives.
Luke 18:20
“You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.'”
In this encounter with the rich young ruler, Jesus includes the commandment to honor parents among a list of other moral guidelines. It illustrates that honoring parents is an essential part of living a righteous and upright life.
By upholding the commandment to honor parents, individuals demonstrate their commitment to following God’s standards of righteousness.
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 speaks to the responsibility of adult children to provide for their parents and immediate family members. It highlights the significance of caring for one’s own household and the seriousness of neglecting this duty.
Children who neglect their parents’ well-being fail to live up to the standards of faith and love expected of believers.
Psalm 27:10
“For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the Lord will take me in.”
David expresses his trust in God’s provision and care, even in the absence or failure of earthly parents. This verse reminds those who may not have received the love and support they desire from their parents that God is their ultimate source of refuge and acceptance.
Children who have experienced parental abandonment or broken relationships can find comfort in knowing that God’s love is never-ending and He offers a place of belonging.
Mark 7:9-13
“And he said to them, ‘You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition! For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban’ (that is, given to God) — then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.'”
In this passage, Jesus confronts the religious leaders who were using their traditions to neglect the commandment to honor parents. He exposes their hypocrisy and emphasizes the importance of aligning with God’s Word rather than man-made traditions.
Children should be wary of any tradition or practice that undermines the fundamental obligation to honor and care for their parents.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
Although not explicitly about children leaving their parents, this famous passage on love can serve as a guide for how children should relate to their parents. It speaks to the virtues of love, including patience, kindness, and selflessness, which should characterize children’s interactions with their parents.
By embodying these qualities, children can demonstrate their love and appreciation for their parents, even as they navigate the transition into independence.
Psalm 127:3
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
This verse highlights the blessing that children are, acknowledging them as a gift and a reward from God. It emphasizes the value and significance of the parent-child relationship.
Children leaving their parents should recognize the profound impact they have had on their parents’ lives and the joy they bring as they step into their own journey.
Proverbs 1:8-9
“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.”
This passage urges children to listen to the instruction and teaching provided by their parents. It portrays these teachings as precious and valuable adornments that enhance and beautify one’s life.
As children embark on their own path, they should continue to treasure the teachings and wisdom passed down by their parents.
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.”
In this verse, Paul reiterates the command to honor parents, highlighting that it is the first commandment to come with a specific promise of blessings and longevity. It underscores the connection between honoring parents and experiencing a flourishing life.
Children who honor their parents position themselves to receive the rewards and favor that come with living in alignment with God’s principles.
Matthew 15:4
“For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.'”
Jesus quotes the commandment to honor parents and emphasizes the severity of reviling or disrespecting them. He underscores the significant consequences that come with dishonoring parents.
Children leaving their parents should be mindful of their words and actions, seeking to honor and treat them with respect.
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.'”
In this heartfelt declaration, Ruth expresses her unwavering loyalty and commitment to Naomi, her mother-in-law. It serves as an example of the love and devotion children can show towards their parents.
Children leaving home should remember the importance of maintaining strong bonds and a sense of loyalty to their parents, even as they embark on their own path.
Proverbs 15:20
“A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.”
This proverb affirms the joy and satisfaction that comes when children make wise choices and bring honor to their parents. It contrasts this with the foolishness and disrespect displayed by those who despise their mothers.
Children who strive for wisdom and integrity bring delight to their parents and foster harmonious relationships.
Psalm 103:13
“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.”
This verse draws a parallel between the compassion of earthly fathers towards their children and the compassion of the Lord towards those who fear Him. It highlights the tender and nurturing nature of parental love.
Children leaving their parents should recognize the unconditional love and compassion God has for them, finding comfort and security in His care.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”
In this passage, parents are instructed to diligently teach and pass down God’s commands to their children. It emphasizes the vital role parents play in shaping their children’s spiritual and moral foundation.
Children leaving home should carry with them the truths and teachings instilled by their parents, continuing to walk in the ways of the Lord.
Psalm 139:13-14
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
David’s psalm celebrates the awe-inspiring workmanship of God in creating human beings. It acknowledges the intricate design and purpose behind each individual life.
Children leaving their parents should recognize their intrinsic worth and value as unique creations of God, embracing their identity and purpose in Him.
Proverbs 30:17
“The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures.”
This proverb describes the dire consequences that come with mocking and disobeying parents. It vividly illustrates the severity of dishonoring parents, emphasizing the need for respectful obedience.
Children who choose to scorn and disrespect their parents invite destruction and negative consequences into their lives.
Psalm 103:17-18
“But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.”
This verse speaks of God’s enduring love and righteousness that extends not only to individuals who fear Him but also to their children’s children. It highlights the generational blessings that come from living in obedience to God’s commands.
Children who reverence and follow the Lord not only experience His favor themselves but also become conduits of blessings for future generations.
1 Corinthians 4:15
“For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel.”
Paul addresses the Corinthians, emphasizing the unique role he played in their spiritual journey as a father figure. It highlights the significance of spiritual mentorship and parental guidance in the lives of believers.
Children leaving their parents should seek out wise and godly mentors who can provide guidance and support as they navigate the challenges of their new season.
Proverbs 13:1
“A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.”
This proverb contrasts the attitude of a wise child who listens and heeds their father’s instruction with that of a mocker who rejects correction. It emphasizes the importance of humility and teachability.
Children who value and respect their parents’ guidance position themselves to grow in wisdom and maturity.
Psalm 68:5
“Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.”
This verse highlights God’s role as a father to the fatherless and a protector to widows. It speaks to His compassionate and nurturing nature, especially towards those who may lack an earthly parental figure.
Children who may not have a physical father or mother can find solace and security in the love and care of their heavenly Father.