Bible Verses for Family Problems

In the middle of conflict

For tense conversations and words you wish you could take back.

• "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."

  Proverbs 15:1

  You can't control how the argument started. You can choose the tone of your next sentence.

• "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:"

  James 1:19

  Most family arguments run the other way — quick to speak, slow to hear. Try reversing the order once today.

• "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."

  Romans 12:18

  "If it be possible" and "as much as lieth in you" — Paul knows peace isn't always in your hands. Do your part and release the rest.

• "With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

  Ephesians 4:2-3

  "Endeavouring" means making every effort. Unity at home rarely happens by accident; it's tended, like a garden.

• "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins."

  1 Peter 4:8

  Love doesn't ignore wrongs, but it doesn't keep a running file either. Some things can simply be covered.

When family hurts

For estrangement, rejection, and long-standing wounds.

• "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up."

  Psalm 27:10

  For anyone who has been let down by the people who should have held them: God does not forsake.

• "God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land."

  Psalm 68:6

  Family isn't only blood. God gives people to the lonely — friends, a church, a table where you belong.

• "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive."

  Genesis 50:20

  Joseph spoke this to the brothers who sold him. It took years. God can work even through what family did to harm you.

• "And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him."

  Luke 15:20

  The father was watching the road. Whether you're waiting for someone to return or hoping to return yourself, this is how God waits.

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