Loving someone deeply can come with its own set of challenges. Whether it’s in a relationship, friendship, or family, the Bible provides us with wisdom to help us persevere, forgive, and support each other in love. If you’re searching for strength to hold on, these Bible verses about not giving up on someone you love will encourage you to trust in God’s guidance and keep hope alive.
What Does God Say About Not Giving Up on Love?
God places a high value on love and the relationships we build with one another. From the beginning, love has been a central part of God’s nature, and He calls us to reflect that same commitment in our lives. One powerful reminder of God’s design for love is found in 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NIV): “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
- This verse reveals that love is not merely an emotion but an action and a commitment. When we love someone, we are called to protect, trust, and persevere, even in difficult circumstances. God encourages us to love deeply, with patience and understanding, knowing that love never fails.
1. Proverbs 10:12 (ESV)
“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.”
- This verse highlights the power of love to heal wounds and bring peace to strained relationships. Even when tensions rise, love has the strength to cover and forgive offenses.
2. Romans 12:10 (NIV)
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
- God calls us to remain devoted to one another in love. This devotion means putting the needs and well-being of others first and seeking to honor them, especially in moments of difficulty.
3. 1 John 4:7 (NIV)
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.”
- True love comes from God, and when we love someone, we reflect God’s love. When we choose not to give up, we demonstrate the depth of God’s grace at work in us.
4. Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
- This verse offers encouragement to those who feel tired of persevering in love. God promises that our efforts will bear fruit if we continue to walk in love and do what is good.
Where in the Bible Does It Say Not to Give Up on People?
The Bible is full of examples of individuals who demonstrated unwavering faithfulness to others, even in difficult situations. God often teaches us not to give up on people through these stories of perseverance and unconditional love. One of the clearest examples is found in
Colossians 3:13 (ESV): “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
- Forgiveness is key in relationships. We are called to bear with one another’s shortcomings, just as God has shown immense patience and mercy towards us.
5. 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
- Loving deeply means we don’t walk away when things get tough. Love has the power to cover imperfections and foster reconciliation in broken relationships.
6. Ephesians 4:2 (NIV)
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
- Patience and humility are essential in maintaining relationships. God urges us to bear with one another in love, understanding that no one is perfect, and relationships require effort.
7. Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
- This verse reminds us that God is faithful to complete the work He has started in our lives. It applies to relationships too, as we trust God to guide us through challenging times.
8. 2 Timothy 2:13 (NIV)
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.”
- God’s faithfulness is an example of how we are to be with one another. Even when people fail, God’s call is to remain committed and to reflect His enduring love.
What Does the Bible Say About Letting Someone You Love Go?
There are times in life when God may call us to let go of someone we love, not in terms of abandoning love, but to trust God’s greater plan. However, this does not mean we stop caring or praying for them. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV) reminds us:
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
- Sometimes letting go is an act of love and faith, trusting God’s timing and purposes, while still loving that person in your heart and prayers.
9. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
- This verse reassures us that God’s plans are always for our good, even when we have to make hard decisions in our relationships. Trust in His plans, knowing they bring hope.
10. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (NIV)
“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.”
- True love involves patience, kindness, and forgiveness, even in the face of challenges. God calls us to love selflessly and to let go of any bitterness or grudges.
Short Bible Verses About Not Giving Up on Someone You Love
For quick inspiration, here are some short Bible verses about not giving up on someone you love that can give you strength in moments of doubt:
11. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
- Encouragement is vital in keeping relationships strong. Lifting up those you love is part of the journey of perseverance.
12. Proverbs 17:17 (NIV)
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
- True love stands firm through adversity. This verse reminds us of the deep bonds of love that withstand the test of time and hardship.
13. Psalm 37:5 (NIV)
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this.”
- When we commit our relationships to God and trust Him, He works on our behalf, guiding us through any challenges.
14. Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
- Compassion and forgiveness are key to sustaining love. This short verse highlights the importance of showing grace in relationships.
15. John 15:12 (NIV)
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
- This verse is a beautiful reminder of Christ’s command to love one another unconditionally, just as He has loved us.
Bible Verses About Not Giving Up on Someone You Love
16. Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)
“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.'”
- Jesus emphasizes the importance of limitless forgiveness. We are encouraged to continually forgive those we love, just as God extends forgiveness to us.
17. Luke 6:31 (NIV)
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
- This simple yet powerful command reminds us to treat others with the same kindness, patience, and grace we would hope for in return.
18. James 1:19 (NIV)
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
- In relationships, listening and patience go a long way. When we refrain from acting in anger and take time to understand each other, we reflect Christ’s love.
19. Hebrews 10:24 (NIV)
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
- Love isn’t passive. We are encouraged to motivate one another to act in love and kindness, supporting each other on the journey of faith.
20. Romans 13:8 (NIV)
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.”
- Loving others is a lifelong commitment. It’s a debt we continue to pay by showing compassion, care, and patience in our relationships.
21. 1 John 3:18 (NIV)
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
- This verse reminds us that love is not just about what we say but how we act. Our commitment to not giving up on someone should be shown through our actions.
22. Proverbs 3:3 (NIV)
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.”
- Love and faithfulness should be constant companions in our relationships. They are qualities that keep us from giving up on the people we care about.
23. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV)
“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.”
- This verse highlights the importance of supporting each other in times of weakness. Relationships thrive when we help one another through struggles.
24. 1 Thessalonians 3:12 (NIV)
“May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.”
- God’s desire is for our love to grow and overflow, especially for those close to us. His love is abundant, and He empowers us to love others deeply.
25. Colossians 3:14 (NIV)
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
- Love is the foundation of unity in any relationship. It’s the glue that holds everything together, making it possible to persevere through challenges.
26. John 15:13 (NIV)
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
- This verse demonstrates the ultimate act of love—sacrifice. In loving someone, we may need to put their needs before our own, even at a personal cost.
27. Psalm 86:15 (NIV)
“But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
- We are called to mirror God’s attributes in our relationships. His compassion and faithfulness are the example we follow when we love others.
28. Romans 5:8 (NIV)
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
- God’s love is unconditional. Just as Christ sacrificed for us when we didn’t deserve it, we are called to love others, even when it’s difficult.
29. Proverbs 17:9 (NIV)
“Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
- Forgiveness strengthens relationships. Holding on to past hurts can drive a wedge between loved ones, but love covers offenses and restores unity.
30. 1 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
“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.”
- Even when faced with hurt, we are called to respond with love and kindness. This prevents bitterness from taking root in our hearts.
31. 1 Corinthians 16:14 (NIV)
“Do everything in love.”
- This short but powerful verse is a reminder that all our actions should be motivated by love, including how we treat those closest to us.
32. Psalm 136:1 (NIV)
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.”
- God’s enduring love is the model for our relationships. We should strive to reflect His never-ending love in our lives and toward others.
33. 1 John 4:19 (NIV)
“We love because He first loved us.”
- God’s love is the source of our ability to love others. His love empowers us to keep going, even when loving others is hard.
34. Luke 17:4 (NIV)
“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.”
- Forgiveness is central to maintaining love. Even when someone repeatedly wrongs us, we are called to forgive and not give up on them.
35. John 13:34 (NIV)
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
- Jesus commands us to love as He loves—unconditionally and without limit. This is the basis for not giving up on those we care about.
36. 2 Corinthians 13:11 (NIV)
“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.”
- God calls us to seek restoration in relationships, to encourage and build each other up, and to live in peace.
37. Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)
“‘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.”
- God’s unfailing love is steadfast, even when everything around us seems uncertain. This reflects how we should strive to love those in our lives—firmly and unshaken.
38. Hebrews 13:1 (NIV)
“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.”
- God encourages us to continue loving one another, even in difficult times, treating others as beloved family.
39. Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
- God’s rejoicing over us is a testament to His love. In turn, we are to love others with that same joy and delight, never giving up on them.
40. Matthew 5:44 (NIV)
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
- Even in the hardest relationships, including those with people who hurt us, God calls us to love and pray for them. His love knows no boundaries.
Conclusion
These 40 Bible verses about not giving up on someone you love are a powerful reminder that love is enduring, forgiving, and selfless. As you reflect on these scriptures, may you find strength to continue loving those in your life with grace and perseverance.
