Throughout the Bible, we find narratives and teachings that address the pain and complexity of estranged relationships. These verses provide insight into how God relates to us and how we are called to seek reconciliation, forgiveness, and understanding. Estrangement, whether between family members, friends, or communities, can be a heavy burden, yet the Bible offers hope and guidance for healing and restoration.
Bible Verses about Estranged Relationship
1. Genesis 33:4 – The Reunion of Esau and Jacob
“But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept.” – Genesis 33:4
Cross-References
Genesis 32:7 – “In great fear and distress Jacob divided the people who were with him into two groups, and the flocks and herds and camels as well.”
2. Matthew 5:23-24 – Reconciliation Before Offering
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” – Matthew 5:23-24
Cross-References
3. Proverbs 15:1 – The Power of a Gentle Answer
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Cross-References
Proverbs 15:18 – “A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.”
Ecclesiastes 10:4 – “If a ruler’s anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great offenses to rest.”
4. Psalm 133:1 – The Beauty of Unity
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1
Cross-References
Ephesians 4:3 – “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Philippians 2:2 – “Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”
John 17:23 – “I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”
5. Colossians 3:13 – Forgive as the Lord Forgave You
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13
Cross-References
Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
6. Romans 12:18 – Peaceful Living
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” – Romans 12:18
Cross-References
Proverbs 12:20 – “Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.”
7. Ephesians 4:31-32 – Kindness and Compassion
“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.” – Ephesians 4:31-32
Cross-References
James 1:20 – “Because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
Colossians 3:8 – “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
8. James 1:19-20 – Listening and Speaking
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” – James 1:19-20
Cross-References
Ecclesiastes 7:9 – “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”
Colossians 4:6 – “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
9. Luke 15:20 – The Forgiving Father
“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” – Luke 15:20
Cross-References
Matthew 18:12-14 – “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?”
10. 2 Corinthians 5:18 – Ministry of Reconciliation
“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” – 2 Corinthians 5:18
Cross-References
Ephesians 2:16 – “and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.”
11. Psalm 34:14 – Seek Peace
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” – Psalm 34:14
Cross-References
Romans 14:19 – “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
1 Peter 3:11 – “They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.”
12. Matthew 18:15 – Resolving Conflict
“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
Cross-References
Luke 17:3 – “So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them.”
James 5:19-20 – “My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”
13. Proverbs 27:6 – The Wounds of a Friend
“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” – Proverbs 27:6
Cross-References
Psalms 141:5 – “Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it, for my prayer will still be against the deeds of evildoers.”
Proverbs 27:9 – “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
Proverbs 28:23 – “Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.”
14. Ephesians 4:26 – Address Anger
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,” – Ephesians 4:26
Cross-References
Psalms 4:4 – “Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.”
Proverbs 14:29 – “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.”
1 Corinthians 13:5 – “It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”
15. Genesis 45:4-5 – Joseph Reveals Himself
“Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come close to me.’ When they had done so, he said, ‘I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” – Genesis 45:4-5
Cross-References
Genesis 50:20 – “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
Acts 7:9 – “Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him”
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
16. James 5:16 – Confession and Prayer
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
Cross-References
Matthew 3:6 – “Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.”
1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Proverbs 28:13 – “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
17. 1 Peter 3:9 – Return a Blessing
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” – 1 Peter 3:9
Cross-References
Romans 12:17 – “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.”
Matthew 5:44 – “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,”
Luke 6:28 – “bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
18. Proverbs 17:9 – Cover Over an Offense
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” – Proverbs 17:9
Cross-References
Proverbs 10:12 – “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.”
1 Peter 4:8 – “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
19. Matthew 6:14-15 – Forgiveness and Its Conditions
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:14-15
Cross-References
Luke 6:37 – “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
20. Romans 5:10 – Reconciliation Through Christ
“For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” – Romans 5:10
Cross-References
21. Hebrews 12:14 – Strive for Peace
“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” – Hebrews 12:14
Cross-References
22. Proverbs 19:11 – Wisdom and Patience
“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” – Proverbs 19:11
Cross-References
23. Colossians 1:20 – Peace Through His Blood
“And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” – Colossians 1:20
Cross-References
Ephesians 2:14 – “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,”
Romans 5:1 – “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,”
Isaiah 53:5 – “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
24. Philippians 4:7 – Peace Beyond Understanding
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7
Cross-References
John 14:27 – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
Colossians 3:15 – “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
25. Matthew 18:21-22 – Forgiving Numerous Times
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” – Matthew 18:21-22
Cross-References
Luke 17:4 – “Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 – “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.”
26. John 13:34-35 – The New Command
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:34-35
Cross-References
1 John 3:11 – “For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another.”
Romans 13:8 – “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.”
Galatians 5:14 – “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
27. Galatians 6:1 – Restoration with Gentleness
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1
Cross-References
2 Timothy 2:25 – “Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,”
1 Corinthians 10:12 – “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”
28. 2 Timothy 2:24-25 – The Lord’s Servant
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,” – 2 Timothy 2:24-25
Cross-References
Titus 3:2 – “to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.”
1 Peter 3:15 – “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”
Galatians 5:23 – “gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
29. Matthew 5:9 – Peacemakers Called God’s Children
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Cross-References
James 3:18 – “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
30. Mark 11:25 – Forgive While Praying
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” – Mark 11:25
Cross-References
31. Lamentations 3:22-23 – New Every Morning
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23
Cross-References
Psalm 103:8 – “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”
Isaiah 54:10 – “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
James 5:11 – “As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”
32. 1 John 4:20 – Love for God and Others
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.” – 1 John 4:20
Cross-References
1 John 2:9 – “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates a brother or sister is still in the darkness.”
Matthew 22:37-39 – “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
While you’re here, why not explore our latest article on: Bible verses about Hard Times in Relationships (With Cross-Reference)
Final Thought
Estranged relationships, as explored through these verses, illustrate both the depths of human conflict and the divine call to reconciliation. The Bible encourages forgiveness, understanding, and peace-making as essential steps toward healing broken bonds. The scriptures remind us of God’s immense grace and mercy, calling believers to reflect these qualities in their interactions with others. Whether it’s the profound acts of forgiveness demonstrated by Esau and Joseph or the teachings of Jesus on loving enemies, the biblical text offers a robust framework for mending relationships. The journey to reconciliation may be challenging, yet it is a pursuit blessed by spiritual rewards.
Through patience and compassion, believers are inspired to mirror the love of Christ, navigating complexities with grace and humility. Allow these scriptures to be a beacon in times of relational strife, inspiring an intentional embrace of peace and unity. Ultimately, healing and reconciliation within relationships are not just expressions of human courage and strength but acts grounded in the transformative power of God’s enduring love.