Christians believe that God initiated family love because he created a man and a woman in a family setting. While Adam and Eve are believed to have been the first family, many believers wonder whether God still establishes families or whether he cares for the love of family. To understand that, we need to know whether he talks about it in his word. So, which are the bible verses about family love?
The Bible has verses about family love. The most common bible verses about family love include Ephesians 5: 25, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 1 John 4:20, Ephesians 5:33, 1 Timothy 5:8, 1Peter 3:7, Malachi 2:16, Mark 10:6-31, Luke 11:11-13, and Genesis 43:16-17. The verses are about how to love one another in a family setting and the responsibilities family members should take for love.
In this article, we will learn what the Bible says about family love and explore various verses in the Bible that talk about family love. You will learn how the Bible defines family love and what to do to love those in your family.
What does the Bible say about family love?
The Bible in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 is an excellent summary of the principles of family love in the Bible. It defines love from a Christian perspective. It says that: Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. In these verses, the Bible defines love in a broad perspective but significantly applies to family love. In the verses that preceded, Paul implies that love is the greatest gift. The family relationship is solely built on love. It means that, without love, it is not possible to have a family.
The Bible also implies that it is impossible to have a relationship with God without loving our family members. The Bible says that If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 1 John 4:20. This verse suggests that to have a relationship with God, one must first have a loving relationship with his family. Claiming that you love God is a lie without a loving relationship with the family. This verse puts a lot of weight on family love.
7 bible verses about family love
Ephesians 5:33
However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. This verse is specifically for family love and teaches men to love their wives. Love is the basic component of the family. The verse combines love and respect, insinuating that husbands will obtain respect whenever they love their wives. In the proceeding verses we have quoted earlier in this article, husbands are instructed to love their wives as Christ loves the church. Christ loved the church and gave his life for it. Therefore, husbands should give their all, just like giving their life to their wives.
1 Timothy 5:8
But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, especially for his household members, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. This verse implies that love is a feeling and one’s actions towards the family. Providing for the family is a sign of love. If someone can provide for his family but fail to do so, they cannot claim family love and have no quality of a believer.
1 Peter 3:7
Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel since they are heirs with you of the grace of life so that your prayers may not be hindered. This is a verse about how husbands should handle their wives. First, it implies that wives are delicate. Because of that, husbands should love, honor, and understand them. Love is a great way to show honor and understanding in a family, especially for husbands toward their wives. Since the husband and wife start a family, this verse is about family love.
Malachi 2:16
“For the man who does not love his wife but divorces her, says the Lord, the God of Israel, covers his garment with violence, says the Lord of hosts. So, guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless.” This verse implies that a family that does not continue in love and ends up breaking up will experience a difficult time characterized by a lack of peace. It is a great caution, especially for husbands who fail to love their wives.
Mark 10:6-31
From the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female.’ ‘Therefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ So, they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” This verse shows how a family is started and how it should remain. A man should begin a family after moving from his parents. Holding fast to his wife means loving the wife. Therefore, it is only through family love that a family can be established and nurtured.
Luke 11:11-13
If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” This verse implies that in a family, fathers love their children and can only give them good gifts. Jesus used this family example because he believed a family setting should be characterized by love. A family with no love cannot replicate what Jesus was talking about. Therefore, the verse suggests that a basic requirement in the family is love, which drives a father or a parent only to do good things for the children.
Genesis 43:16-17
When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Take these men to my home, and slaughter an animal and make ready; for these men will dine with me at noon.” Then the man did as Joseph ordered, bringing the men into Joseph’s house. This verse is about Joseph, who was sold in Egypt by his brothers but became a great ruler. It demonstrates a high level of family love. Although his brothers had done something evil towards him-which sometimes happens in families- his love for his family overlooked the evil. Family love helps people to forgive their family members and treat them with kindness. It enables family members to help each other, which would otherwise not be possible if they were not family.
References
Love and Respect Basics for Marriage
How Do You Love Your Wife Like Christ Loves the Church?
How is somebody who does not provide for his family worse than an unbeliever (1 Timothy 5:8)?
10 People Explain What Love Means to Them
Staying Married Is Not About Staying in Love
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
