Family is one of the most sacred relationships in the Bible.
God designed families to love, honor, and support one another through all seasons of life.
But what happens when children turn their backs on their parents?
What does Scripture say about those who abandon the people who raised them?
Throughout the Bible, we see strong warnings against dishonoring or forsaking one’s parents.
God commands children to respect, obey, and care for their parents, even as they grow older.
Abandoning one’s parents is not just a personal decision—it carries spiritual consequences.
Let’s dive into what the Bible says about this difficult but important topic.
The Command to Honor Parents Is Not Optional
God takes the relationship between parents and children seriously.
From the very beginning, He set a clear expectation that children must honor their parents.
One of the Ten Commandments states, “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12)
This is not a suggestion.
It is a command.
And it’s the only commandment with a promise—long life and blessings for those who obey.
But what does honoring parents really mean?
It’s more than just being polite or speaking kindly to them.
It includes respecting them, listening to their wisdom, and supporting them when they are in need.
This expectation does not disappear when a child becomes an adult.
Even when children grow up and build their own lives, the call to honor their parents remains.
Walking away from parents, refusing to help them in their old age, or treating them with contempt goes against God’s design.
When children abandon their parents, they are rejecting one of the fundamental values God has set for families.
They are choosing selfishness over love, independence over responsibility, and pride over humility.
God wants families to stay connected, to care for one another, and to reflect His love through their relationships.
A broken parent-child bond is not just painful for those involved—it is displeasing to God.
The Bible Warns Against Neglecting Parents
Throughout Scripture, there are strong warnings against those who mistreat or abandon their parents.
Proverbs 19:26 says, “Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother is a child who brings shame and disgrace.”
This verse paints a powerful picture of what happens when children forsake their parents.
It is not just an unfortunate choice—it is shameful and dishonorable.
Proverbs 23:22 also reminds us, “Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
The Bible acknowledges that parents grow old and may become dependent on their children.
This is a natural part of life.
But instead of rejecting them in their time of need, children are expected to provide support and care.
Jesus Himself condemned those who found excuses to neglect their parents.
In Mark 7:9-13, He rebuked the religious leaders for allowing people to avoid helping their parents under the guise of religious devotion.
He called them hypocrites for prioritizing their own interests over their duty to honor their father and mother.
Neglecting parents is not just a mistake—it is an act of disobedience against God.
The Bible is clear: abandoning one’s parents is not acceptable in God’s eyes.
It is a sign of a hardened heart, a lack of gratitude, and a failure to live according to God’s commands.
The Consequences of Abandoning Parents
Turning away from parents carries serious consequences—both earthly and spiritual.
Proverbs 30:17 offers a harsh warning: “The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.”
This imagery is striking.
It shows that those who dishonor their parents face destruction.
While this may not mean literal punishment by birds, it reflects a deeper truth—disrespecting parents leads to ruin.
Neglecting family responsibilities can result in broken relationships, guilt, and even hardships later in life.
A person who abandons their parents may find themselves abandoned in return.
In 1 Timothy 5:8, Paul writes, “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”
This is a powerful statement.
A believer who refuses to care for their parents is acting in a way that is worse than someone who does not believe in God at all.
This shows just how seriously God takes this issue.
Caring for parents is not just a moral duty—it is a reflection of faith.
When children walk away from their parents, they are rejecting a responsibility that God has placed on them.
They may justify their actions with excuses, but in the end, they are walking in disobedience.
The consequences may not always be immediate, but they are real.
A hardened heart, broken family bonds, and a loss of God’s blessings can follow those who turn their backs on their parents.
What If a Parent Has Been Hurtful?
Some children may feel justified in abandoning their parents because of past pain.
Perhaps a parent was abusive, neglectful, or deeply flawed.
Does the Bible still require children to honor them?
The short answer is yes, but honoring does not mean tolerating harm.
The Bible never commands people to remain in abusive situations.
There are times when distance is necessary for emotional or physical well-being.
However, even in difficult relationships, God still calls His people to honor their parents in ways that are possible.
That might mean choosing to forgive.
It might mean showing kindness from a distance.
It might mean praying for them rather than carrying bitterness.
Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
That includes parents, even when they have been difficult.
There is a balance between setting healthy boundaries and completely abandoning the relationship.
God does not ask His children to endure harm, but He does ask them to have hearts that seek reconciliation when possible.
Every situation is different, and wisdom is needed.
But choosing to completely forsake a parent, when there is a chance for healing, is not the path God desires.
The Call to Reconciliation and Restoration
God’s heart is always for restoration.
He desires for broken families to be healed and for relationships to be made whole.
Malachi 4:6 prophesies, “He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents.”
This is God’s desire—to bring families back together.
Forgiveness, grace, and love can mend even the most damaged relationships.
Sometimes, that process begins with a single step.
A phone call.
A visit.
A heartfelt prayer.
For those who have abandoned their parents, it is never too late to return.
God’s grace is big enough to restore what is broken.
For those who have been hurt by their parents, healing is possible.
God does not call His children to carry resentment forever.
He calls them to walk in love, even when it is difficult.
No family is perfect.
But with God, there is always hope for reconciliation.
Final Thoughts
The Bible is clear—children are called to honor, respect, and care for their parents.
Abandoning parents is not just a personal choice—it is a rejection of God’s command.
Neglecting parents leads to shame, broken relationships, and spiritual consequences.
But there is always hope.
For those who have walked away, there is an opportunity to make things right.
For those who have been hurt, there is a chance for healing.
God’s heart is for families to be restored.
When children choose love over abandonment, they reflect the very heart of God.