15 Key Bible Verses About Relationships
Relationships are an important part of life and the Bible has many verses about relationships that can offer guidance and insight. Bible verses about relationships offer wisdom, advice, and blessings to those who study its teachings.
From relationships between spouses in biblical marriage, to relationships between parents and children, to relationships with friends, these verses provide meaningful advice.
Some of these relationships may be more difficult than others but with strong faith in God, all relationships can thrive if we follow his word. Looking to the scriptures provides us with a valuable source of wisdom and advice as we navigate our many types of relationships throughout life.
Reading bible verses about relationships can bring peace in stressful moments, knowledge in difficult times and joy during special occasions.
Beautiful Bible Verses About Relationships
Bible Verses About Relationships
Ephesians 5:22-28
Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.
Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
For wives, this means submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For a husband is the head of his wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of his body, the church. As the church submits to Christ, so you wives should submit to your husbands in everything.
For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself.
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
Ephesians 5:22-28 provides a guideline for how husbands and wives should interact within marriage.
It teaches that wives should submit to their husband’s authority in the same way that church members are instructed to obey Christ. Husbands, meanwhile, are encouraged to love their wives as Christ loves the church.
There is a mutual respect required in each party’s approach. This understanding of marriage paints it as a partnership between two individuals where sacrifice and understanding is key for it to be fulfilled.
The relationship between the couple should reflect that of God and his people – one of unconditional love and respect. Following these guidelines will lead to a healthy marriage relationship.
Philippians 2:3-4
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Paul shared this insight with the Christians in Philippi which serves as a powerful reminder of practical Christian living: humility, unity and selflessness.
According to these verses about relationships, we should look out not only for our own interests, but also the interests of others. This can be achieved through humility, whereby one puts aside selfish ambition or pride and considers the importance of others in life.
In this way, unity among humankind is fostered and promoted because we come together in understanding that everyone has different talents and abilities that have value.
By consistently keeping this passage in mind, it helps quell our natural instinct which has a tendency to be selfish. We can instead remain humble and filled with love towards others in all facets of relationships including friends, family, and strangers alike.
John 13:34
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
Jesus’ commandment to “love one another” in John 13:34 is an incredibly powerful call to relationships based on compassion, understanding and kindness.
This call is even more profound when you consider that Jesus said this at the Last Supper shortly before His crucifixion. He knew the end was near and just wanted to impart one last lesson of love to his followers.
By adhering to this commandment, relationships are made stronger as people prioritize genuine care and consideration over differences or mistakes. This passage reminds us all how we should value love in our relationships and strive for genuine connection with those around us.
Genesis 2:23-24
And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.
Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.”
That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.
“At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’”
This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.
Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.”
Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
The relationship between a man and a woman is one of the most beautiful things in the world. It is depicted perfectly in Genesis 2:23-24 with the story of Adam and Eve. In this passage, God creates woman from a man, brings them together, and recognizes their union as “one flesh.”
When we remember this truth and practice divinely inspired marriage, it brings joy to our lives.
We celebrate marriage in its entirety – the dedication, commitment, and sacrifice of two individuals growing to form one integrated family unit filled with mutual love, respect, and affection.
Marriage is an incredible gift from God that should be honored and cherished for all its beauty.
Ephesians 4:31-32
Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
As followers of Christ, great relationships should not only be something we strive for, but also something we actively build by using the power that God has equipped us with.
Ephesians 4:31-32 encourages us to get rid of any bitterness, anger, and hurtful words, instead replacing them with kindness and compassion. We are urged to be humble and forgiving as we seek to build great relationships with others.
These actions will make it easier to practice self-control and live each day in harmony with one another. Through this Scripture, God reminds us that great relationships should always remain a priority!
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
The Book of Ecclesiastes is full of wisdom, and the section found in 4:9-12 is no exception.
In this passage, marriage is compared to two hands working together, for two people joined as one can accomplish more than one person alone. Even if they’re both very weak and their labor is powerless, joining them together gives them comfort and support that allows them to overcome any obstacle.
Furthermore, one person can protect another from potential harm or danger and so promote peace in an environment where there may otherwise be strife.
Including God in marriage makes it that much stronger as a “cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
2 Peter 1:5-7
And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.
In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.
2 Peter 1:5-7 speaks to relationships in the life of a Christian. It encourages believers to grow in their knowledge and relationships with God through trust and diligence.
The passage states that if a believer increases in their faith, they will also bear fruit in relationships with others by adding virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. This means relationships are affected by how much growth has taken place within our relationship with God.
Therefore we can see how relationships can be enhanced and improved through a deepening connection with God – making relationships more meaningful and effective.
Matthew 7:12
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
The Bible is full of timeless life principles that will always remain.
One of the most well-known of these is the golden rule, the principle found in the book of Matthew, chapter 7, verse 12. In this passage the Bible states “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them”.
This simple command is the centerpiece for the concept of the golden rule — treating others as you want them to treat you — and can be applied to a myriad of different life situations.
It is a timeless truth has been echoed throughout the ages, from famous philosophers and notable spiritual leaders alike, signifying its power and importance in our relationships.
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.
But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.
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.
1 Timothy 5:8 provides guidance regarding relationships and serves as an example of how Christians should treat one another.
The verse instructs believers to take care of their own families first, specifically mentioning those who have a spouse or children and are responsible for providing for them financially.
This verse also encourages people to treat their parents with respect and understanding, signifying their importance in the eyes of God. Following these instructions helps build strong relationships that are ultimately pleasing to him.
Romans 12:17-18
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Relationships can be difficult and complicated. That’s why Paul encouraged the Christians in Rome to “live at peace with everyone.”
As followers of Christ, peace is something we should continually strive for in our lives.
We can have peaceful relationships if we tame our tongues by choosing not only what we say, but how and when we say it. We should also actively listen without being judgmental or inserting our own opinions into the conversation. These actions take self control and patience.
Peace isn’t always possible in our sinful world, but we should strive for peace whenever possible.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
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.
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
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.
God is love and Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 make it clear that true love never fails.
It is patient, kind, and does not envy or boast. It is not intimated by others and it is not easily angered. True love always protects, trusts, hopes for the best and perseveres despite any obstacles that may stand in its way.
God’s kind of love does not come with judgement but extends the utmost understanding and grace to provide peace and solace as true comfort.
Whenever we feel lonely or discouraged, God’s love reminds us to faithfully persist in every situation trusting God at every moment. God’s exemplary example of perfect love sets the standard for us to follow to live our lives driven by his agape-love for everyone we encounter each day.
2 Corinthians 6:14-15
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?
In 2 Corinthians 6, the Christian relationship is highlighted as one of distinctiveness from the world. In this passage, we are called to be separate from the values and ideas that do not align with Biblical teachings.
A “yoke” is a wooden bar or frame by which two draft animals (such as oxen) are joined at the heads or necks for working together. Our being yoked together (married or in a relationship) with someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus can make our spiritual growth difficult, if not impossible.
Even though we live in a world filled with diversity and accepting different faith traditions, we must remember that it is possible for us to be too close to someone, especially in marriage, whose theological views are wholly opposed to our own. This can lead us astray from the truth of God’s word.
So let us take every care to remain grounded in faith no matter what other influences try to enter into our lives.
Romans 12:9-10
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Romans 12:9-10 encourages us to truly love others and to express our love for one another in practical ways.
As believers, it is our duty to practice love and not just talk about it. We are told to “hate what is evil” and cling fast to “that which is good”.
Loving others requires more than mere words; Acts of kindness and blessing must be done out of sincere hearts that have a desire for our brothers and sisters in Christ. The Bible instructs us to show hospitality, have a servant attitude, provide aid for the unfortunate, be joyful no matter the circumstance, live in peace with each other, and most importantly, keep on loving.
What an incredible gift it is from God to allow us to love selflessly from the depths of our hearts!
Galatians 5:22-23
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
The fruits of the spirit, as outlined by Galatians 5:22-23, provide a powerful tool for having healthy relationships.
According to this verse, the fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. As we strive to live our lives according to these virtues, daily reminders and affirmations can help us stay on track.
We must take time to reflect on how the fruits of the spirit are displayed in our behavior and interactions with those around us. They are key aspects that each one of us should strive for in our own lives to help foster peace and good relationships in our communities.
Ephesians 6:1-3
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
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.”
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “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.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Paul, the wise writer of the early church, had much to say on how we should conduct ourselves as sons and daughters in Ephesians 6:1-3. Paul encourages us to show honor and respect by children obeying their parents in all things.
Paul also calls for parents to not exasperate or frustrate their own children, but instead to raise them up with discipline, instruction, and love.
Paul’s timeless words still resonate today – our modern families can benefit from Paul’s examples of respectful relationships between parent and child when applied on a daily basis. Following Paul’s guidelines here is a sure path to healthy communication among family members that will stay with them into adulthood.
These Bible verses about relationships are key to having a good life.
