What Does the Bible Say About Challenging Relationships?

John 3:16 ESV / 10 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Ephesians 5:25 ESV / 8 helpful votes

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,

Matthew 7:12 ESV / 8 helpful votes

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Revelation 1:1-20 ESV / 6 helpful votes

The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near. John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood ...

1 John 4:18 ESV / 6 helpful votes

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

Philippians 2:3-4 ESV / 6 helpful votes

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.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 ESV / 6 helpful votes

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. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 ESV / 6 helpful votes

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. 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; ...

Romans 9:1-33 ESV / 6 helpful votes

I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen. ...

Matthew 5:43-48 ESV / 6 helpful votes

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? ...

Isaiah 41:10 ESV / 6 helpful votes

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Psalm 127:3 ESV / 6 helpful votes

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.

Psalm 23:1-6 ESV / 6 helpful votes

A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ...

1 John 4:7 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

1 Peter 5:7 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

James 3:1 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

James 1:19-20 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

James 1:2-4 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV / 4 helpful votes

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

2 Timothy 1:7 ESV / 4 helpful votes

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

1 Timothy 5:1-2 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.

Colossians 3:13 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Philippians 4:13 ESV / 4 helpful votes

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:6 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Ephesians 4:32 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

2 Corinthians 6:14 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?

2 Corinthians 6:14-15 ESV / 4 helpful votes

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?

1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.”

Romans 12:17-21 ESV / 4 helpful votes

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. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:14 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them.

Romans 12:3 ESV / 4 helpful votes

For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.

Romans 8:1-39 ESV / 4 helpful votes

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. ...

Romans 5:8 ESV / 4 helpful votes

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

John 3:16-17 ESV / 4 helpful votes

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

Luke 6:31 ESV / 4 helpful votes

And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

Matthew 18:15 ESV / 4 helpful votes

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.

Matthew 18:15-17 ESV / 4 helpful votes

“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.

Matthew 6:14-15 ESV / 4 helpful votes

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 6:6 ESV / 4 helpful votes

But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Matthew 5:38-42 ESV / 4 helpful votes

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

Matthew 5:9 ESV / 4 helpful votes

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Proverbs 31:10-11 ESV / 4 helpful votes

An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.

Proverbs 22:3 ESV / 4 helpful votes

The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it.

Proverbs 19:11 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.

Proverbs 18:24 ESV / 4 helpful votes

A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 16:28 ESV / 4 helpful votes

A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.

Proverbs 15:1 ESV / 4 helpful votes

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 12:16 ESV / 4 helpful votes

The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.

Psalm 112:1 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments!

Psalm 34:10 ESV / 4 helpful votes

The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

Psalm 27:1-14 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Of David. The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. ...

Psalm 9:9-10 ESV / 4 helpful votes

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

1 Samuel 30:6 ESV / 4 helpful votes

And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.

Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

Genesis 2:24 ESV / 4 helpful votes

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

56 Bible Verses about Challenging Relationships

John 3:16 ESV / 10 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 5:25 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 7:12 ESV / 8 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Revelation 1:1-20 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 John 4:18 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Philippians 2:3-4 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 9:1-33 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:43-48 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Isaiah 41:10 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 127:3 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 23:1-6 ESV / 6 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 John 4:7 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Peter 5:7 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 3:1 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 1:19-20 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

James 1:2-4 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Timothy 1:7 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Timothy 5:1-2 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Colossians 3:13 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Philippians 4:13 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Philippians 4:6 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Ephesians 4:32 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Corinthians 6:14 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

2 Corinthians 6:14-15 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Corinthians 15:33 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 12:17-21 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 12:14 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 12:3 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 8:1-39 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Romans 5:8 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

John 3:16-17 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Luke 6:31 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 18:15 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 18:15-17 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 6:14-15 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 6:6 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:38-42 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Matthew 5:9 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 31:10-11 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 22:3 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 19:11 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 18:24 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 16:28 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 15:1 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Proverbs 12:16 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 112:1 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 34:10 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 27:1-14 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Psalm 9:9-10 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

1 Samuel 30:6 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

Genesis 2:24 ESV / 4 helpful votes Helpful Not Helpful

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