In today’s world, we’re quick to cut people out of our lives. Social media makes it easier than ever to unfollow, block, or mute anyone who disappoints us. A friend fails us, a sibling says the wrong thing, a parent or cousin lets us down — and before long, we’ve labeled them “toxic,” creating a clean break that promises peace … but often leaves pain behind.
Certainly, there are times when stepping away is necessary. If someone is seriously harming your mental or physical health, then the need for protection and distance is understandable. But not every argument or disappointment deserves permanent exile. Sometimes, a bit of grace and perspective can begin the slow and sacred work of healing.
And that’s where Scripture steps in — not with judgment, but with light. The Bible doesn’t pretend families are perfect. In fact, from Cain and Abel to the Prodigal Son, Scripture shows us the messiness of human relationships. But it also offers wisdom, comfort, and gentle nudges toward mercy.
Here are a few verses that can guide us as we try — in our own stumbling way — to heal what’s been broken.
“Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ.” Ephesians 4:32
This verse may sound simple, but it asks something profound: to be kind even when we’re hurt, to forgive even when it feels undeserved. It reminds us that our ability to forgive doesn’t come from our own strength, but from the grace we’ve received ourselves from God himself.
When rifts form in families, resentment often builds — sometimes over years. Ephesians 4:32 calls us to soften our hearts. That doesn’t mean forgetting pain or pretending all is well. But it does mean choosing mercy over bitterness, and letting go of the need to win.
“Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own?” Luke 6:41
It’s human to spot the faults in others. When someone hurts us, it’s easy to make a list of their shortcomings. But Jesus gently asks us to pause and reflect: What might we be contributing to the division? What hurt have we caused — even unintentionally?
This verse isn’t about blame. It’s about humility. In the context of healing family wounds, it invites us to reflect honestly and take responsibility where we can. Often, the path to reconciliation begins not with changing the other, but with softening ourselves.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, it is not pompous … it does not brood over injury.” 1 Corinthians 13:4–5
Often read at weddings, this passage isn’t just for newlyweds. It’s for every relationship that matters — especially the difficult ones. “Love … does not brood over injury” is a line worth sitting with. How often do we replay past wounds in our minds, keeping them alive?
This verse encourages us to let love lead, especially in our families. That doesn’t mean ignoring pain, but it does mean choosing patience, choosing kindness, choosing not to dwell endlessly on what went wrong. Healing starts when we stop feeding the hurt.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9
Being a peacemaker isn’t always glamorous. It means taking the first step. It might mean sending a message, extending an invitation, or simply praying for someone who has wronged us. It’s often quiet work, unseen by others, but honored by God.
In fractured families, someone has to go first. This beatitude reminds us that choosing peace, even when it’s hard or humbling, brings us closer to the heart of God.
“Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8
Love doesn’t erase sin, but it can soothe and transform it. When family relationships are strained, this verse offers hope. Intense love — love that is patient, forgiving, honest, and enduring — has the power to mend even the most broken bonds.
It may not happen quickly. It may not look neat. But love, sustained and sincere, can begin to restore what once seemed lost.
