Relationships are a fundamental aspect of human experience, intricately woven into the fabric of our daily lives. They range from deep and intimate connections to broader social and communal interactions.
The Bible, a timeless source of wisdom and guidance, offers profound insights into how to build and nurture these relationships. Throughout its pages, from the poetic proverbs of the Old Testament to the instructive epistles of the New Testament, the Bible provides principles that are as relevant today as they were centuries ago.
The biblical perspective on relationships challenges us to look beyond our own needs and desires, encouraging us to embody virtues like compassion, understanding, and selflessness.
Whether navigating the complexities of close personal relationships or fostering a sense of community and fellowship, the Bible provides enduring principles that guide us toward more fulfilling and meaningful connections.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Praying Together (with Explanations)
Bible Verses About Building Relationships
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
This verse from Proverbs emphasizes the steadfast nature of true friendship and the invaluable role of a sibling during challenging times. It implies that genuine friendship is characterized by unwavering love, regardless of circumstances.
This love is not just for the good times but also for the difficult periods, suggesting that true friends are those who stand by you in adversity. Similarly, it highlights the bond of siblings, suggesting that they are destined to support each other, especially during hardships. This verse teaches the importance of nurturing relationships that are based on unconditional love and support.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“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.”
This passage from Ecclesiastes presents a practical view of companionship, emphasizing mutual support. It suggests that working together leads to greater success and efficiency.
This verse is not just about physical support, but also emotional and spiritual upliftment. It encourages forming bonds that are not just for personal gain but are rooted in genuine care and concern. It reminds us that isolation can be detrimental, and highlights the value of having someone in our lives to offer support.
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
This verse from Colossians highlights the importance of patience and forgiveness in relationships. It acknowledges that grievances and conflicts are inevitable in human interactions, but emphasizes the need to handle them with grace and forgiveness.
The call to forgive as the Lord forgives sets a high standard, reminding believers that their forgiveness should be complete and unconditional. This teaching is crucial for building and maintaining healthy relationships, as it encourages individuals to look beyond faults and to foster a culture of understanding and grace in their interactions with others.
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
1 Peter 4:8 speaks to the transformative power of love in relationships. It suggests that love is not just a feeling but an action that involves a deep commitment to others. The phrase “love covers over a multitude of sins” implies that when love is present, it can overcome various faults and shortcomings in a relationship.
This verse encourages individuals to prioritize love in their interactions, as it has the power to heal, forgive, and bring people together. It’s a reminder that in the face of human imperfection, love is a potent force that can create harmony and understanding.
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
Romans 12:10 emphasizes the importance of selflessness and respect in relationships. The call to be devoted in love and to honor others above oneself challenges the natural human inclination towards self-interest. This verse encourages a shift in perspective, where the wellbeing and dignity of others are given priority.
It’s a call to build relationships on the foundation of sacrificial love and mutual respect. By doing so, it fosters an environment where individuals feel valued and respected, which is essential for healthy and lasting relationships.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This proverb uses the metaphor of iron sharpening iron to describe the beneficial effects of strong relationships. It suggests that just as iron tools are honed through friction, individuals improve and grow through their interactions with others.
This verse speaks to the importance of having relationships that challenge us, encourage personal growth, and promote character development. It implies that constructive feedback and honest conversations are valuable for personal improvement. This verse encourages building relationships that are not just comforting but also stimulating and growth-oriented.
Ephesians 4:2-3
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:2-3 focuses on the attitudes necessary for maintaining unity in relationships. It calls for humility, gentleness, patience, and a loving tolerance of others. These qualities are essential for overcoming the inevitable challenges and differences that arise in relationships.
The emphasis on striving for unity through peace underscores the active effort required to maintain harmonious relationships. This passage teaches that building and sustaining relationships require a consistent and intentional practice of these virtues, which foster an environment of understanding and peace.
James 1:19
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
James 1:19 offers invaluable advice for building strong relationships. It emphasizes the importance of being an attentive listener and measured in our responses. Being “quick to listen” encourages a genuine interest in understanding others’ perspectives, fostering empathy and respect.
The advice to be “slow to speak” suggests thoughtfulness in our communication, avoiding hasty words that may harm relationships. Furthermore, being “slow to become angry” highlights the need for patience and self-control in dealing with conflicts. This verse teaches that effective communication, patience, and emotional control are key in nurturing healthy and understanding relationships.
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2 emphasizes the importance of support and empathy in relationships. It encourages us to help one another, especially in difficult times, reflecting the essence of Christ’s teachings. This verse suggests that strong relationships are built on the willingness to share in each other’s struggles, offering support and assistance.
By carrying each other’s burdens, we not only strengthen our bonds with others but also grow in our own spiritual journey. This verse teaches the value of compassion and solidarity, reminding us that part of our duty to one another involves being present and supportive in times of need.
Matthew 7:12
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
This verse, commonly known as the Golden Rule, is a fundamental principle for building healthy relationships. It encapsulates the essence of ethical conduct: treating others as we wish to be treated. This simple yet profound guidance promotes empathy and consideration in our interactions.
It encourages us to reflect on our actions and their impact on others, ensuring that we act with kindness and fairness. The Golden Rule is a universal guideline for building respectful and mutually beneficial relationships, fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding.
Philippians 2:3-4
“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.”
Philippians 2:3-4 calls for humility and selflessness in relationships. It warns against acting out of selfish ambition or pride and encourages valuing others highly. This perspective shift from self-interest to the interests of others is crucial in forming deep and genuine connections. By prioritizing others’ needs and well-being, we cultivate an environment of mutual respect and care.
This verse teaches the importance of putting aside ego and embracing a spirit of servitude and consideration, which are key ingredients for fostering harmonious and supportive relationships.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 emphasizes the importance of mutual encouragement and regular fellowship in building strong relationships. It suggests that we should inspire each other towards acts of love and kindness. The exhortation to not neglect meeting together highlights the value of consistent and active engagement in each other’s lives.
This verse teaches that relationships are strengthened through encouragement and by being present for one another, especially in a community context. It reminds us that our interactions should aim to uplift and motivate each other, fostering an environment of positive influence and support.
John 15:12-13
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
In John 15:12-13, Jesus presents the ultimate standard of love – self-sacrifice. He commands his followers to love others as He has loved them, which is an unconditional, selfless love. The greatest manifestation of this love is the willingness to sacrifice for the well-being of others.
This verse teaches that the foundation of strong relationships is selfless love, where the needs and well-being of others are prioritized. It challenges us to go beyond superficial expressions of affection, encouraging a deep, sacrificial love that mirrors the love of Christ.
Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
This verse from Psalms celebrates the beauty and joy found in harmonious relationships. It highlights that living in unity is not only pleasing but also a reflection of a godly life. The emphasis on the goodness and pleasantness of unity serves as a reminder that relationships thrive in an environment of mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation.
This verse encourages us to strive for harmony in our interactions and to appreciate the peace and contentment that come from being united with others in spirit and purpose. It’s a call to value and work towards unity in all our relationships.
Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Luke 6:31, also known as the Golden Rule, is a fundamental principle for ethical behavior and building positive relationships. It encourages us to treat others with the same respect, kindness, and fairness that we desire for ourselves. This simple, yet powerful, directive fosters empathy and consideration in our interactions.
It challenges us to be mindful of our actions and their impact on others, ensuring that we conduct ourselves with integrity and compassion. The Golden Rule is a timeless guideline for creating respectful and mutually beneficial relationships, promoting an environment of mutual respect and understanding.
1 John 4:11-12
“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”
This passage from 1 John highlights the importance of loving one another as a reflection of God’s love for us. It suggests that by showing love to each other, we manifest God’s presence in our lives. This verse teaches that love is not just an emotion but an action that reveals the divine.
It encourages us to emulate the love God has for us in our relationships, suggesting that in doing so, we complete the circle of divine love. It’s a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of love in our relationships and our spiritual lives.
Ephesians 5:21
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
Ephesians 5:21 focuses on the concept of mutual submission in relationships, grounded in respect for Christ. It suggests that healthy relationships involve a reciprocal respect and a willingness to put the needs and well-being of others first. This submission is not about power or control, but about humility and respect, inspired by our reverence for Christ.
It teaches that in our relationships, we should strive to serve and support each other, reflecting the selfless love Christ showed. This verse calls for a balance of respect and service in our interactions, creating a foundation of mutual care and understanding.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Proverbs 15:1 offers practical wisdom on handling conflicts in relationships. It suggests that a calm and gentle response can defuse anger and prevent escalation. Conversely, responding harshly can provoke further anger and damage relationships. This verse teaches the power of words and the importance of choosing them wisely, especially in tense situations.
It encourages us to practice self-control and thoughtfulness in our communication, recognizing that how we respond to others can significantly impact the health and stability of our relationships. It’s a reminder of the value of gentleness and understanding in maintaining peace and harmony.
Matthew 18:15
“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 provides guidance on addressing conflicts constructively and respectfully. It encourages direct and private communication when resolving issues, which helps maintain the dignity and respect of those involved.
This verse teaches that addressing issues directly can strengthen relationships, as it fosters trust and openness. It highlights the value of resolving conflicts in a way that is considerate of others’ feelings and conducive to mutual understanding.
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
Romans 14:19 emphasizes the importance of actively pursuing peace and building each other up in relationships. It encourages us to consider our actions and choices in the context of their impact on peace and constructive growth. This verse teaches that healthy relationships require effort and intentionality, focusing on actions that promote harmony and mutual encouragement.
It reminds us of our responsibility to contribute positively to our relationships, fostering an environment where everyone can grow and thrive. The call for mutual edification suggests that we should not only seek our own good but also the well-being and development of others.
Philippians 4:5
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
Philippians 4:5 emphasizes the importance of displaying gentleness in our interactions, a key attribute in building and maintaining relationships. Gentleness, a fruit of the Spirit, is not about weakness but about strength under control.
It involves patience, kindness, and a calm demeanor, especially in potentially contentious situations. This verse encourages us to be mindful of how we present ourselves to others, advocating for a gentle approach that reflects our faith. The reminder that “The Lord is near” serves as a motivation to embody these qualities, knowing that our actions are seen and guided by God.
Proverbs 18:24
“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”
This proverb contrasts the quantity of relationships with the quality of a true friendship. It suggests that while one may have many acquaintances, it’s the depth and quality of a relationship that truly matters. The verse highlights the value of a friend who is loyal and steadfast, even more so than a biological sibling.
This kind of friendship is rare and precious, marked by loyalty, commitment, and unconditional support. It teaches us to cherish and nurture deep, meaningful relationships that can provide unparalleled support and companionship.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11 is a call to mutual encouragement and edification within relationships. It underscores the importance of positive reinforcement and support in our interactions with others. This verse encourages us to be a source of strength and encouragement, helping those around us to grow and flourish.
The phrase “just as in fact you are doing” acknowledges the efforts already being made in this regard, serving both as an affirmation and a reminder to continue in this nurturing behavior. It highlights the powerful impact encouragement and positive reinforcement have in strengthening relationships and communities.
Proverbs 22:11
“One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend.”
This proverb emphasizes the importance of inner purity and gracious speech in forming valuable relationships. Loving a pure heart signifies a preference for sincerity and integrity while speaking with grace reflects a commitment to kindness and respectful communication.
These qualities are attractive and can lead to forming relationships with people of influence and authority, symbolized here by ‘the king.’ The verse teaches that character and how we communicate play significant roles in the kinds of relationships we cultivate and the respect we garner from others, including those in positions of leadership.
Proverbs 16:28
“A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.”
Proverbs 16:28 highlights the destructive power of negative behaviors like perversion and gossip in relationships. A perverse person, who twists words or situations, can create unnecessary conflict and misunderstanding. Similarly, gossip can erode trust and damage the bond between close friends.
This verse serves as a warning about the impact of our actions and words on our relationships. It teaches the importance of integrity and discretion in our interactions and the need to avoid behaviors that can harm the connections we cherish.
Proverbs 12:18
“The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
This verse from Proverbs presents a powerful contrast between the impact of reckless words and wise speech. Reckless words are likened to swords that can cause deep hurt, highlighting the potential damage our speech can inflict in relationships. On the other hand, wise words are portrayed as healing, suggesting that thoughtful and considerate speech can repair and strengthen bonds.
This verse teaches the importance of mindful communication, reminding us that our words have the power to either harm or heal. It encourages us to choose our words carefully, aiming to build up rather than tear down.
Proverbs 17:9
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
Proverbs 17:9 emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and discretion in maintaining loving relationships. It suggests that overlooking an offense can help foster and preserve love, indicating the value of not dwelling on faults or mistakes. Conversely, repeatedly bringing up past issues can damage and even sever close friendships.
This verse teaches the significance of letting go of grievances and not indulging in gossip or resentment. It encourages us to prioritize love and unity over being right or holding onto past wrongs, which is essential for healthy and lasting relationships.
Proverbs 24:26
“An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.”
This proverb uses a striking metaphor to describe the value of honesty in relationships. Just as a kiss on the lips is a sign of intimacy and affection, an honest answer conveys trust and respect. This verse highlights that truthfulness is not only foundational to strong relationships but also a gesture of deep care and connection.
It implies that honesty, even when it’s challenging to express, strengthens bonds and fosters trust. This verse teaches us to embrace and value honesty, recognizing it as a key element in building and maintaining authentic and meaningful relationships.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Praying Together (with Explanations)
What Does The Bible Say About Building Relationships
The Bible offers numerous insights and teachings about building and maintaining relationships. These teachings cover various aspects of relationships, including friendships, family bonds, romantic relationships, and community connections. Here are some key principles and themes from the Bible regarding relationship-building:
- Love and Compassion: Central to the Bible’s teachings is the commandment to love others. Verses like John 13:34, where Jesus commands, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another,” emphasize the importance of love in all relationships. This love is meant to be selfless, patient, and kind, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
- Forgiveness and Reconciliation: The Bible encourages forgiveness as a foundation for healthy relationships. In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter is taught to forgive not just seven times, but seventy times seven. This principle is about letting go of grudges and working towards reconciliation.
- Honesty and Integrity: Proverbs 12:22 states, “The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” Honesty builds trust, which is crucial in any relationship.
- Humility and Service: Philippians 2:3-4 teaches, “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.” This emphasizes the importance of humility and serving others in relationships.
- Mutual Respect and Honor: The Bible speaks about treating others with respect and honor. Romans 12:10.” This means valuing others and their perspectives, even when they differ from our own.
Prayer On Building Relationships
Heavenly Father,
We come before You today with open hearts and a desire to build stronger, more meaningful relationships in our lives. We recognize the incredible value You place on the bonds we share with others and seek Your guidance in nurturing and strengthening these connections.
Lord, teach us to love as You love. Fill our hearts with patience, kindness, and understanding, so we may approach our relationships with a spirit of compassion and selflessness. Help us to see others through Your eyes, recognizing their worth and the unique gifts they bring to our lives.
Encourage us, Father, to seek and maintain fellowship with one another. Strengthen the bonds of friendship and family, and help us to form new connections that honor You. In moments of conflict or misunderstanding, guide us towards reconciliation and peace.
We ask for discernment in choosing our companions and wisdom to offer and receive godly counsel. May we encourage one another, bear each other’s burdens, and grow together in faith and love.
Above all, Lord, let Your love be the foundation of every relationship we form. May our interactions with others bring glory to Your name and joy to our hearts.
We thank You for the gift of community and the blessing of companionship. In all our relationships, may Your presence be felt, Your wisdom be sought, and Your love be the guiding force.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.