Family is one of the central structures of society, and the Bible often emphasizes the importance of strong family ties. However, there are times when relationships can become so strained or toxic that walking away seems like the only option. But is this something the Bible condones? Are there situations where leaving family behind is necessary, or does Scripture call us to always stay and repair broken relationships? Let’s look at what the Bible has to say about the difficult decision to walk away from family.
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What Does The Bible Say About Walking Away From 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 highlights the need for our love and devotion to God to be greater than our love for our own family members. It teaches us that our ultimate allegiance and loyalty should be to God above all else.
While this verse does not explicitly encourage walking away from family, it emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God above all earthly 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 can sound harsh at first, but its true meaning lies in understanding the comparative nature of language used in biblical times. Jesus is not commanding us to actively hate our family, but rather emphasizing that our love and devotion to Him should be so strong that our love for our family appears as hate in comparison.
It calls for a radical commitment to Christ, demonstrating that even the closest relationships should not hinder our dedication to following Him.
Matthew 19:29
“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.”
This verse provides reassurance to those who make sacrifices for the sake of following Christ. It reminds us that as we give up worldly possessions or even distance ourselves from family for the sake of the gospel, God will bless us abundantly and reward us with eternal life.
While it acknowledges the possibility of leaving behind family, it also highlights the promise of a greater family and the immeasurable rewards that await those who are faithful to Christ.
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.”
This verse echoes a similar sentiment as the previous one. It emphasizes that those who leave behind family or possessions for the sake of Christ and the gospel will be fully compensated both in this life and in the life to come.
While walking away from family may be a difficult decision, it reassures us that God’s provision and blessings will surpass any losses we may experience.
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.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of taking care of our immediate family. It emphasizes the responsibility and duty to provide for our relatives, showing that neglecting them goes against the principles of faith.
While there may be moments when we face the need to distance ourselves from family, it is crucial to always maintain love, care, and support for them, fulfilling our God-given obligations.
Luke 9:62
“Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” “
This verse illustrates the importance of staying committed to the call of discipleship without wavering. It emphasizes that once we have chosen to follow Christ, we must not turn back or long for what we have left behind.
While it does not explicitly reference walking away from family, it implies the need for unwavering dedication to God’s kingdom, even if it means leaving relationships or familiar surroundings behind.
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.'”
This passage showcases Jesus’ prioritization of spiritual family over biological family. It illustrates that obedience to God’s will and being part of His kingdom holds more significance than earthly kinship.
In this context, it does not promote walking away from family but emphasizes the spiritual union that exists among all who follow and obey Christ.
2 Corinthians 6:14
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
This verse emphasizes the importance of aligning ourselves with those who share our faith and values. It cautions against close associations and partnerships with those who do not believe, as it can potentially lead to compromising our own faith and convictions.
While it does not specifically address family relationships, it encourages believers to consider the spiritual implications of their close associations, even if it means making challenging decisions.
1 Corinthians 7:15
“But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.”
This verse acknowledges the challenges that may arise when one spouse comes to faith, while the other remains an unbeliever. It affirms that if the unbelieving spouse chooses to leave, the believer is not obligated to try to keep the marriage intact.
While it pertains specifically to marital relationships rather than familial ones, it recognizes that situations can arise where separation becomes necessary for the sake of God’s peace and individual spiritual well-being.
Matthew 10:34-37
“Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household. Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.”
This passage presents the reality that following Christ may bring conflict and division even within our own families. It brings attention to the fact that our commitment to Christ might be perceived as a threat or cause of discord among our loved ones.
While it does not advocate for walking away from family, it serves as a reminder that our allegiance to Christ may result in strained relationships and challenges, and we must be prepared to navigate through them with wisdom and grace.
Proverbs 22:6
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of parental guidance in instilling faith and godly principles in their children’s lives. It highlights the responsibility parents have to train up their children in the ways of the Lord.
While its focus is on raising children rather than walking away from family, it underscores the significance of nurturing spiritual growth within the family unit, which ultimately contributes to the overall health and well-being of each individual.
Ruth 1:16-17
“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. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.'”
These verses demonstrate the unwavering commitment of Ruth to her mother-in-law Naomi. It showcases the power of loyalty and dedication within familial relationships.
While it portrays a situation where Ruth chooses to stay with family rather than walk away, it serves as a beautiful example of the love and devotion that can exist within the bonds of kinship.
Malachi 4:6
“He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.”
This verse speaks of the restorative power of God within family relationships. It highlights the importance of reconciliation and the healing of broken bonds between parents and children.
While its intention is to encourage unity and connection within families, it indirectly implies that walking away from family should be a last resort, as God desires to reconcile and restore familial relationships.
Psalm 27:10
“Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.”
This verse reassures us that even if our earthly parents or family members fail us, God will never abandon or forsake us. It reminds us of the unwavering love and acceptance we can find in our heavenly Father.
While it acknowledges the possibility of being forsaken by family, it points us to the faithfulness of God and His ability to fill any void left by human relationships.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
This verse highlights the importance of strong and loyal friendships, both within biological family relationships and outside of them. It emphasizes the role of friends in providing support and love, especially in challenging times.
While its focus is on friendship, it reminds us of the value of human connections and the significance of surrounding ourselves with individuals who will stand by us, whether they are family or close friends.
Hebrews 13:1-2
“Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”
This passage encourages us to love one another and extend hospitality not only to our immediate family but to strangers as well. It reminds us of the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion, as we may unknowingly encounter heavenly messengers.
While it does not explicitly address walking away from family, it promotes a mindset of love and open-heartedness towards all people, regardless of their familial connection to us.
John 19:26-27
“When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”
These verses exemplify Jesus’ care for His mother, even in the midst of His own suffering on the cross. It highlights the importance of honoring and providing for our parents and loved ones, ensuring their well-being.
While it speaks of Jesus entrusting His mother to the care of the disciple whom He loved, it emphasizes the significance of maintaining familial responsibilities and relationships.
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 verse highlights the importance of children obeying and honoring their parents. It recognizes the value of respecting and submitting to parental authority.
While it focuses on the parent-child dynamic rather than walking away from family, it signifies the significance of maintaining healthy family relationships and upholding the biblical commandments regarding honoring our parents.
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 signifies the establishment of a new family unit through marriage. It emphasizes the importance of leaving one’s parents and forming a union with a spouse.
While it does not directly address walking away from family, it signifies the natural progression of life where individuals separate from their parents to establish their own family, while still maintaining honor and respect for their parents.
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
This verse reiterates the biblical instruction given to children to obey their parents fully. It emphasizes that obedience to parents is not only a reflection of respect but also a demonstration of our obedience to God.
While it pertains specifically to the parent-child relationship rather than walking away from family, it underscores the value of listening to parental authority and seeking to please the Lord through our obedience.
1 Corinthians 7:12-14
“To the rest, I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. 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.”
These verses address the circumstances where a believer is married to an unbeliever. It advises believers to remain in the marriage if the unbelieving spouse is willing to stay, as their presence within the family can have a sanctifying influence on the children.
While it does not directly relate to walking away from family, it acknowledges the complexities that can arise in mixed-faith marriages and encourages believers to prioritize the spiritual well-being of their children.
Genesis 12:1-4
“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’ So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him.”
This passage recounts God’s call to Abram (later renamed Abraham) to leave his country and his father’s household. It demonstrates Abraham’s obedience and willingness to walk away from his familial ties in response to God’s calling.
While it narrates Abraham’s departure rather than walking away from family in general, it presents an example of faith and obedience, trusting in God’s plans even when it involves leaving familiar surroundings and family.