Relationships are essential to our well-being, but they can also be sources of pain and conflict. The Bible offers principles for reconciliation and healing, guiding us toward restored relationships marked by forgiveness and grace. Let’s explore these verses together and discover the power of God’s love to mend broken hearts and restore broken relationships, bringing healing and wholeness to our lives and communities.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Giving Back
Bible Verses About Healing Relationships
Matthew 5:23-24
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of resolving conflicts and healing broken relationships before coming to worship God. It reminds us that our relationships with others should take priority over our religious duties. Reconciliation is a vital aspect of maintaining healthy and harmonious relationships, and it requires humility, forgiveness, and a willingness to make amends.
Ephesians 4:26-27
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
This verse urges us to address and resolve conflicts in a timely manner, without allowing anger and bitterness to fester. It acknowledges that feeling anger is not sinful but cautions against allowing anger to lead us into sin. By dealing with our anger promptly and seeking resolution, we can prevent the enemy from using it as a foothold to create further division and damage in 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 provides guidance on how to approach a situation where someone has wronged us. It encourages us to address the issue privately and directly with the person involved, rather than gossiping or spreading rumors. By speaking the truth in love and seeking resolution, we have the potential to restore the relationship and win our brother or sister back.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
This verse highlights the importance of forgiveness and the power of love in nurturing relationships. Instead of dwelling on offenses and repeatedly bringing them up, love prompts us to cover over the offense, extending grace and forgiveness. Doing so allows for healing and reconciliation, preventing the offense from becoming a barrier that separates close friends.
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 emphasizes the need to practice patience and forgiveness towards one another, just as God has forgiven us. It recognizes that grievances and conflicts will arise, but rather than holding onto resentment, we are called to bear with one another and extend forgiveness. This attitude of forgiveness is essential in maintaining healthy and thriving relationships with others.
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
This verse highlights the power of confession and prayer in healing relationships. By humbly admitting our faults and seeking forgiveness from one another, we open the door to healing and restoration. Additionally, praying for one another, especially during times of conflict, can bring about reconciliation and foster a deeper sense of unity among believers.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse encourages us to choose our words carefully, especially in moments of conflict. Responding with a gentle and kind tone can diffuse tense situations and prevent them from escalating. On the other hand, responding with harsh and critical words only fuels anger and exacerbates the problem. By practicing gentleness and speaking with grace, we create an atmosphere conducive to healing and reconciliation.
Matthew 7:1-2
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of avoiding judgment and condemnation in our relationships. Recognizing that we are all imperfect, it calls us to extend grace and understanding to others rather than passing judgment. By cultivating a non-judgmental attitude, we create a safe space for healing and restoration within our relationships.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“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. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
This popular verse from the “Love Chapter” in Corinthians provides a beautiful picture of what love looks like in practice. Love is patient, kind, and selfless. It forgives, remains humble, and does not harbor resentment. Love rejoices in truth, protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. When we strive to embody these characteristics in our relationships, we create an environment that fosters healing, unity, and deep intimacy.
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 challenges us to go beyond traditional expectations and extend kindness and generosity even to those who have hurt us. By offering food and drink to our enemies, we demonstrate love rather than seeking revenge. This act of kindness may lead to conviction and repentance, ultimately leading to healing and restoration. Furthermore, the Lord promises to reward those who choose love and forgiveness over retaliation.
Proverbs 10:12
“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
This verse reminds us of the destructive nature of hatred and the redemptive power of love. Hatred breeds conflict and only escalates the situation, creating deeper wounds and division. However, love has the ability to cover over wrongs, to forgive, and to heal. Choosing love over hatred has the potential to transform relationships and bring about profound reconciliation and restoration.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of love in our relationships with others. Deep love extends grace and forgiveness, covering over the multitude of sins committed against us. Love has the power to bridge gaps, reconcile differences, and lead to healing and restoration. It calls us to prioritize love above all else, recognizing its transformative and redemptive qualities.
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
This verse encourages us to actively pursue peace and build one another up in our relationships. Instead of engaging in actions or speech that may cause division or harm, we should make every effort to foster an environment of peace and mutual support. By seeking the well-being and growth of others, we contribute to their healing and the overall health of our relationships.
Proverbs 27:5-6
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
This verse underscores the importance of honest and authentic communication in our relationships. While it may be uncomfortable, providing open and loving rebuke can lead to growth, understanding, and reconciliation. Wounds from a friend, spoken with genuine care and concern, can be trusted and contribute to the healing of a relationship. On the other hand, superficial compliments and flattery from an enemy often mask deceit and further damage the connection between individuals.
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
This verse encourages us to be intentional about our words and conversations, ensuring that they are full of grace and wisdom. By speaking with kindness, empathy, and sensitivity, we create a safe and welcoming atmosphere that promotes healing and understanding. Our words have the power to bring comfort, wisdom, and resolution to broken relationships when used in a gracious and thoughtful manner.
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This verse emphasizes the impact of our words on relationships. Reckless and hurtful words can pierce deep into the hearts of others, causing wounds that are difficult to heal. However, when we choose our words wisely and speak with wisdom, we have the potential to bring healing and restoration. It reminds us to carefully guard our tongues, ensuring that our words promote unity, understanding, and reconciliation.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
This verse calls us to actively encourage and uplift one another in our relationships. By focusing on building each other up rather than tearing each other down, we contribute to a positive and healthy environment. Encouragement has the power to strengthen relationships, foster healing, and create a sense of unity and belonging. It is a practical way to bring restoration and renewal to our interactions with others.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
This verse highlights the importance of supporting one another and helping to bear each other’s burdens. It recognizes that we all face struggles and challenges in our relationships, and by offering a helping hand and providing emotional, spiritual, and practical support, we participate in fulfilling the law of Christ. Carrying each other’s burdens demonstrates love, compassion, and empathy, fostering healing and unity within our relationships.
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 verse challenges us to embrace a spirit of unlimited forgiveness in our relationships. Just as Christ forgives us repeatedly, we are called to extend that same forgiveness towards others. Forgiveness is a vital component of healing relationships as it releases us from the burden of holding onto resentment and allows us to experience the freedom and restoration that comes from extending grace.
Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
This verse celebrates the beauty and significance of unity among believers. When our relationships are characterized by unity, it brings joy and delight. Unity fosters cooperation, mutual understanding, and healing within the body of Christ. It reflects the love and harmony that God desires for His people and serves as a powerful testimony to the world of His transforming and unifying grace.
Romans 12:18
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
This verse encourages us to strive for peace and reconciliation in our relationships. While it may not always be possible to achieve complete peace due to external factors or the unwillingness of others, we are called to do our part in promoting peace. This verse reminds us to evaluate our own attitudes and actions, taking responsibility for our contribution to conflicts and actively seeking reconciliation.
Psalm 34:14
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.”
This verse instructs us to actively pursue peace and to engage in actions that promote healing and restoration. It challenges us to turn away from evil, both in our thoughts and actions, and to embrace goodness. Seeking peace requires intentional effort, involving humility, forgiveness, and a commitment to do what is necessary to reconcile and heal broken relationships.
Proverbs 21:21
“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.”
This verse emphasizes the rewards of pursuing righteousness and love in our relationships. When we embody these qualities, we find life, prosperity, and honor. Pursuing righteousness involves seeking to do what is right before God and others, while love encompasses selflessness, forgiveness, and compassion. These attitudes and actions contribute to the healing and flourishing of our relationships, resulting in abundant blessings and honor.
What Does The Bible Say About Healing Relationships?
The Bible provides guidance and wisdom on various aspects of our lives, including the healing of relationships. From the beginning, God intended for us to live in harmony and unity with others. However, due to our human nature and the brokenness brought about by sin, relationships can become strained and broken.
When it comes to healing relationships, the Bible emphasizes forgiveness and reconciliation. In Matthew 18:15, Jesus instructs us to go and talk to the person who has wronged us, seeking to resolve the issue privately. This demonstrates the importance of addressing conflicts directly and honestly, rather than harboring bitterness or gossiping about the offense.
Furthermore, the Bible emphasizes the importance of forgiveness. Colossians 3:13 encourages us to forgive others as the Lord has forgiven us. Forgiveness involves choosing to release the offense and letting go of any resentment or desire for revenge. It does not mean minimizing the wrongdoing or pretending that it didn’t happen. Instead, it is a conscious decision to extend grace and offer an opportunity for healing and restoration.
In addition, the Bible encourages us to love one another and practice humility. In Romans 12:10, we are instructed to “love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” This means actively seeking to uplift and honor each other, rather than tearing each other down. It also involves recognizing that we all make mistakes and being humble enough to admit our faults and seek reconciliation.
Sometimes, healing relationships may require the involvement of others. In the book of James, we are encouraged to confess our sins to one another and pray for each other (James 5:16). Seeking the support of a trusted Christian friend or a spiritual leader can provide guidance, accountability, and prayer support in the journey of healing broken relationships.
Ultimately, the healing of relationships is an ongoing process that requires love, forgiveness, humility, and a willingness to seek reconciliation. It may not always be easy, but with God’s help, we can strive to restore and mend the brokenness within our relationships. Let us remember the biblical principles of forgiveness, love, and humility as we seek healing and restoration in our relationships, reflecting the image of Christ to the world.