Family relationships can be complicated, and sometimes, it might feel necessary to cut ties for emotional or physical well-being. While the Bible encourages family unity, it also speaks about setting boundaries when necessary. Let’s see what Scripture says about balancing family loyalty with personal health and spiritual growth.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being Different
What Does The Bible Say About Cutting Ties With Family
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 relationship with God above all else, including our family. While we are called to honor and love our family, our devotion to God should take precedence.
It does not imply cutting ties with family, but rather reminding us that our ultimate allegiance should be to God and His will. It calls for a healthy balance in our commitments and a recognition that our faith should influence all aspects of our lives, including our family relationships.
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 may seem harsh at first, but it uses exaggerated language to emphasize the significance of our commitment to Christ. It does not promote hatred towards our family members, but rather challenges us to love God above all other relationships.
By using the word “hate,” Jesus underscores the radical choice we must make to prioritize our relationship with Him over any earthly attachments, no matter how dear they may be. It reminds us that following Jesus requires sacrificial love and commitment that transcends even our closest family ties.
Matthew 12:46-50
“While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.’ He replied to him, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ Pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.'”
In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the spiritual bond we share with fellow believers. Though Jesus had an earthly family, He demonstrates that our spiritual family is equally important, if not more so.
While we should still honor and care for our biological families, choosing to follow Christ means being part of a broader community that shares a common purpose and commitment to God’s will. This verse encourages us to embrace our spiritual family and find unity in our faith in Christ.
Luke 9:59-62
“He said to another man, ‘Follow me.’ But he replied, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ Still another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.’ Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'”
In these verses, Jesus addresses the importance of wholehearted commitment and urgency in following Him. The first man wanted to delay his discipleship to fulfill family obligations, and the second man sought an opportunity to bid his family farewell.
Jesus makes it clear that becoming His disciple requires unwavering dedication and prioritizing the Kingdom of God above personal attachments. To be fit for service in God’s Kingdom, we must be willing to let go of worldly attachments and embrace a radical commitment to follow Jesus.
Mark 10:29-30
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life.”
Jesus reassures His disciples that any losses or sacrifices made for the sake of the gospel will be abundantly rewarded both in this life and in eternity. While following Christ may involve leaving behind familiar relationships or possessions, the blessings and rewards of belonging to the family of God far surpass anything we may give up.
God’s provision extends beyond physical family, as He promises to provide a spiritual family that will support and care for us. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s faithfulness and to step out in faith, knowing that the rewards of following Him are immeasurable.
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.”
In this verse, Paul emphasizes the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities towards our family. While we are called to prioritize our relationship with Christ, we must not neglect our duty to care for our immediate family members.
Providing for our relatives is an expression of love, responsibility, and stewardship. Neglecting our family’s needs goes against the principles of faith and demonstrates a lack of compassion towards those closest to us. This verse reminds us that our faith should be evident in practical actions, including caring for our family’s physical and emotional well-being.
Ephesians 6:1-3
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘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.'”
This passage addresses the importance of honoring our parents and obeying them, as it aligns with God’s will for our lives. Respecting and submitting to our parents’ authority is not only right but also brings blessings and a promise of well-being.
Though our ultimate allegiance is to God, honoring our parents reflects our attitude towards authority and demonstrates a heart of humility and respect. This verse encourages children to maintain healthy relationships with their family while still prioritizing their relationship with God.
Proverbs 15:20
“A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.”
This proverb highlights the impact our choices and attitudes have on our family relationships. A wise and obedient child brings joy and delight to their parents, while disrespect and foolishness cause strife and sorrow.
It reminds us of the importance of showing honor and love towards our parents, valuing the wisdom they provide, and recognizing their role in our lives. This verse encourages us to strive for wisdom and understanding in our interactions with family members, fostering harmonious and joyful relationships.
Proverbs 20:20
“If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness.”
This verse serves as a stern warning against dishonoring or cursing our parents. Such actions go against God’s commandments and result in severe consequences.
It reflects the seriousness of the sin of disrespecting our parents and the potential for darkness and judgment to overshadow our lives. This verse encourages us to cultivate an attitude of honor and reverence towards our parents, recognizing their significant role in our lives and the importance of upholding the Fifth Commandment.
Psalm 27:10
“Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.”
This psalm reminds us of God’s unconditional love and faithfulness, especially when our earthly relationships may falter. While family relationships are vital, they can sometimes be disappointing or challenging.
However, this verse reassures us that even if our parents or family members fail us, God will never abandon or reject us. He is always there to receive us, embrace us, and provide the support and love we need. It reminds us of the unique and unwavering bond we share with our heavenly Father.
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.”
In this passage, Jesus addresses the religious leaders’ practice of using a tradition called Corban to evade their responsibilities towards their parents. They dedicated their resources to God, claiming them as off-limits for familial support.
Jesus rebukes them, highlighting the importance of honoring parents and fulfilling our familial obligations. It is a reminder that religious rituals or practices should never be used as an excuse to neglect our God-given responsibilities, especially towards our family members.
Ruth 1:16
“But Ruth replied, ‘Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.”
Ruth’s unwavering commitment to her mother-in-law, Naomi, displays an extraordinary example of loyalty and dedication to family. Despite the challenges they faced, Ruth’s love and devotion remained steadfast.
This verse reminds us of the importance of standing by our family members in difficult times, demonstrating love, loyalty, and support. Ruth’s declaration also implies a recognition and embrace of Naomi’s faith, which ultimately led her to become part of the lineage of Jesus Christ.
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
Paul’s exhortation in this verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to parents in the life of a believer. It aligns with God’s desire for respectful and submissive attitudes within the family.
By obeying our parents, we not only honor them but also demonstrate our reverence and submission to God. This verse encourages children to develop a heart of obedience and respect towards their parents, recognizing it as an act of pleasing God.
1 Corinthians 7:14
“For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise, your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.”
This verse addresses the issue of believers who are married to non-believers. It brings reassurance that the believing spouse’s faith sanctifies the unbelieving spouse and their children.
While it does not directly deal with cutting ties with family, it highlights the transformative effect faith can have on our family relationships. It encourages believers to continue their marital and parental responsibilities while trusting that their faith can impact their loved ones in a positive way.
Genesis 2:24
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.”
This verse establishes the importance of leaving one’s parents and cleaving to one’s spouse in marriage. It emphasizes the establishment of a new family unit and the commitment and unity inherent in the marital relationship.
While it doesn’t explicitly address cutting ties with family, it signifies the shift in priorities and responsibilities that comes with starting a new family. It emphasizes the importance of honoring and cherishing the spouse we have been joined to, even as we continue to value and respect our relationship with our parents.
Proverbs 1:8-9
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.”
This verse underscores the value and importance of parental wisdom and guidance. It encourages children to attentively listen and learn from their parents, recognizing the positive impact their teachings can have on their lives.
By honoring our parents and seeking their instruction, we benefit from the wisdom and experience they offer, which serve as a source of blessing and adornment. This verse highlights the importance of valuing the lessons passed down through generations and embracing the guidance of our parents.
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.”
While this particular verse doesn’t specifically address cutting ties with family, it provides a comprehensive description of love, which is relevant in the context of familial relationships.
In our interactions with family members, we are called to demonstrate patience, kindness, and humility. Love should guide our actions, keeping no record of wrongs, and seeking forgiveness and reconciliation. This verse inspires us to foster healthy, loving relationships within our families.
2 Timothy 1:5
“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”
Paul’s affirmation to Timothy highlights the impact of family members in shaping our faith. Timothy’s sincere faith was nurtured by his grandmother and mother, who modeled a genuine faith that influenced his own spiritual journey.
This verse emphasizes the crucial role parents and grandparents play in passing down and instilling faith in the younger generation. It encourages us to be intentional in fostering an environment of faith and spiritual growth within our families, knowing that our influence can have a lasting impact on our loved ones.
Proverbs 6:20
“My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”
This verse holds similar instruction as Proverbs 1:8-9, urging children to value and follow the teachings of their parents. It reminds us of the wisdom and guidance our parents provide and encourages us to embrace their instruction.
By honoring our parents and heeding their teachings, we demonstrate respect and appreciation for their role in our lives. This verse reminds us of the value of parental wisdom and urges us to cherish and follow their counsel.
Deuteronomy 4:40
“Keep his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the LORD your God gives you for all time.”
God’s commandments and instructions are given for our good and well-being. This verse emphasizes the importance of obeying God’s decrees, as they not only benefit us but also future generations.
By living in accordance with God’s commands, we create a legacy of faithfulness that impacts our children and grandchildren. This verse motivates us to consider the broader impact of our choices and actions on future generations, encouraging us to live a life that honors God and passes on a legacy of faith.