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What Does the Bible Say About Walking Away from Family? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Walking Away from Family?

Introduction

Family is an essential part of human life, providing a sense of belonging, support, and love. However, there may be times when walking away from family is necessary.

This decision can be challenging, especially for Christians who value the importance of family and the biblical command to honor our parents and respect our elders. Therefore, it is crucial to understand what the Bible says about walking away from family and make wise and godly decisions.

The Bible acknowledges that there are situations where it may be appropriate to walk away from family members. For example, when family members cause harm, unhealthy family dynamics, or conflicts with one’s faith.

However, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and love within families. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers and seek reconciliation with our family members, even in difficult situations.

This blog post will explore the biblical perspective on walking away from family, examining key examples from the Bible, situations where it may be appropriate to walk away from family, and the biblical teachings on forgiveness, love, and reconciliation within families.

It will provide practical guidance for Christians who are struggling with difficult family situations, encouraging them to seek God’s guidance and wisdom in making wise and godly decisions that honor God and promote healing and restoration within their families.

family in the Bible

The Importance of Family in the Bible

The Bible teaches that family is an essential aspect of God’s design for human life. In the creation account, God created the first family with Adam and Eve, establishing the importance of the family unit. The family is the foundational unit of society, and the Bible commands us to honor our parents and respect our elders.

The Ten Commandments include a commandment to “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12 NKJV).

In the book of Leviticus, the Lord commands that the children of Israel should “rise before the gray-headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:32 NKJV).

In the New Testament, Paul instructs children to “obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1 NKJV), and he encourages fathers to “not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4 NKJV).

Biblical Examples of Walking Away from Family

There are several stories in the Bible where people had to walk away from their families. One example is the story of Abraham and Lot. Abraham and Lot were family members who had to separate because of their wealth and the needs of their flocks.

They decided to divide the land between them, and Lot chose to live in the cities of the plain, while Abraham settled in the land of Canaan (Genesis 13:1-18).

Another example is the parable of the Prodigal Son. In this story, a son asks for his inheritance early and squanders it, only to return home and be welcomed back by his father. The story emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation within families (Luke 15:11-32).

A third example is the story of Ruth and Naomi. Ruth was a Moabite woman who married into a Jewish family. After her husband and his brother died, she chose to stay with her mother-in-law, Naomi, instead of returning to her own family.

Through her loyalty and faithfulness, Ruth became a part of God’s plan for the lineage of Jesus (Ruth 1:1-22).

These stories show us that sometimes walking away from family can be necessary, but it is not always a permanent separation. In the case of Abraham and Lot, their separation allowed them to continue to grow and prosper.

In the story of the Prodigal Son, the son’s return brought about reconciliation and restoration. And in the story of Ruth and Naomi, Ruth’s loyalty and faithfulness led to blessings for both women.

When is it Appropriate to Walk Away from Family?

Walking away from family is a serious decision that should not be taken lightly. While the Bible emphasizes the importance of family, it also recognizes that there may be times when it is appropriate to walk away. Here are some situations where it may be appropriate:

Abusive Situations

Abusive situations, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, can be harmful and dangerous. The Bible teaches that we should not tolerate or condone abusive behavior. Instead, we should seek to protect ourselves and others from harm.

In the book of Proverbs, it says, “Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter” (Proverbs 24:11 NIV). If a family member is causing harm, it may be necessary to separate oneself from that person to prevent further harm and seek help.

Unhealthy Family Dynamics

Unhealthy family dynamics, such as enabling, codependency, or addiction, can also be harmful and can cause emotional distress. These situations may be difficult to navigate, but it is important to seek help and support from trusted friends, family members, or professionals.

The Bible says that we should be honest with one another and help each other grow in faith and love. In the book of Ephesians, it says, “Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body” (Ephesians 4:25 NIV).

If a family member’s behavior is hindering growth or causing harm, it may be necessary to walk away for a time to seek healing and restoration.

When One’s Faith Conflicts with Family Values

Sometimes, a person’s faith may conflict with their family’s values, beliefs, or traditions. This can be challenging, especially when there is pressure to conform or compromise one’s faith. In these situations, it is important to seek wisdom and guidance from God, prayer, and trusted Christian leaders.

The Bible says that we should put God first and seek to honor Him in all things. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “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” (Matthew 10:37 NIV).

While it is important to honor and respect our families, our ultimate allegiance should be to God.

The Biblical Perspective on Walking Away from Family

While the Bible acknowledges that there may be times when it is appropriate to walk away from family, it also teaches us to love and forgive our family members. The Bible emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, reconciliation, and love within families. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a key part of the Christian faith. The Bible teaches that we should forgive others just as God has forgiven us. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches his disciples to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12 NIV).

Forgiveness does not mean that we condone or forget hurtful behavior, but it does mean that we choose to release the offender from the debt they owe us.

Love

The Bible commands us to love our neighbors as ourselves. This includes our family members, even those who have hurt us. In the Gospel of John, Jesus says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34 NIV).

Love involves sacrificial action and seeking the well-being of others.

Reconciliation

The Bible encourages us to seek reconciliation with others, especially within our families. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over” (Matthew 18:15 NIV).

Reconciliation involves seeking to understand and resolve conflict in a way that honors God and promotes healing.

Walking away from family should be a last resort, and even then, we should strive to maintain a spirit of forgiveness and love towards them. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers and seek reconciliation with our family members, even in difficult situations.

However, it is also important to recognize that there are times when walking away may be necessary for our well-being and safety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, walking away from family is a serious decision that requires careful consideration and guidance from trusted Christian leaders. The Bible teaches that family is an essential part of God’s design for human life, and it emphasizes the importance of honoring our parents and respecting our elders.

However, the Bible also recognizes that there may be situations where it is appropriate to walk away from family members, such as abusive situations, unhealthy family dynamics, or conflicts with one’s faith.

When faced with difficult family situations, it is important to seek God’s guidance and wisdom, prayerfully considering the situation and seeking advice from trusted Christian leaders. It is also essential to remember the biblical teachings on forgiveness, love, and reconciliation within families.

Even when walking away is necessary, we should strive to maintain a spirit of forgiveness and love towards our family members, seeking to honor God and promote healing and restoration within our relationships.

As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers and seek reconciliation with our family members, even in difficult situations. Walking away should be a last resort, but it may be necessary for our well-being and safety.

Whatever the situation, we can trust in God’s sovereignty and guidance, knowing that He is with us and will lead us in making wise and godly decisions that honor Him and promote healing and restoration within our families.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.