Leaving can be an emotional and challenging experience. The Bible offers guidance and comfort during these times.
Let’s explore a few verses that provide wisdom and encouragement, reminding us of God’s presence and support whenever we face the need to leave a place, person, or situation.
Bible Verses About Leaving
Genesis 12:1 – God’s call to leave the familiar
“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.’” – Genesis 12:1
Exodus 3:10 – A call to lead others out
“So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” – Exodus 3:10
1 Kings 19:15 – The directive to leave for greater purposes
“The Lord said to him, ‘Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram.’” – 1 Kings 19:15
Matthew 4:19 – The invitation to leave everything behind
“‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’” – Matthew 4:19
Matthew 8:22 – The urgency to prioritize following Christ
“But Jesus told him, ‘Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead.’” – Matthew 8:22
Luke 5:11 – Leaving behind past lives for a new calling
“So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” – Luke 5:11
Luke 9:60 – The importance of spiritual priorities
“Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’” – Luke 9:60
John 12:25 – The paradox of finding true life
“Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” – John 12:25
Acts 7:3 – Leaving for the sake of a promise
“‘Leave your country and your people,’ God said, ‘and go to the land I will show you.’” – Acts 7:3
Philippians 3:13 – Forgetting the past to reach forward
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” – Philippians 3:13
2 Corinthians 5:17 – A transformative leaving behind
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Isaiah 43:18 – Embracing the new and letting go of the old
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” – Isaiah 43:18
Mark 10:29-30 – Leaving everything for the kingdom’s sake
“Truly I tell you, Jesus replied, ‘No one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age.’” – Mark 10:29-30
Matthew 19:27 – Sacrifices made for discipleship
“Peter answered him, ‘We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?’” – Matthew 19:27
Revelation 18:4 – The call to leave spiritual corruption
“Then I heard another voice from heaven say: ‘Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins or receive any of her plagues.’” – Revelation 18:4
Romans 12:2 – Leaving worldly patterns for renewed minds
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2
Psalms 119:32 – A desire to expand beyond limitations
“I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding.” – Psalms 119:32
Galatians 1:10 – Seeking approval from God over man
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” – Galatians 1:10
Colossians 3:2 – Setting our minds on heavenly things
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth.” – Colossians 3:2
Hebrews 11:8 – Faith in leaving for the unknown
“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” – Hebrews 11:8
1 John 2:15 – The necessity to leave behind worldly love
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.” – 1 John 2:15
James 4:4 – The conflict between following God and the world
“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?” – James 4:4
2 Timothy 2:22 – Fleeing from youthful passions
“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” – 2 Timothy 2:22
Psalms 34:14 – Turning away from evil
“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” – Psalms 34:14
Proverbs 4:14-15 – Avoiding the path of the wicked
“Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it; do not travel on it.” – Proverbs 4:14-15
Luke 17:32 – Remembering the costs of turning back
“Remember Lot’s wife!” – Luke 17:32
Psalms 37:27 – The call to depart from evil
“Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever.” – Psalms 37:27
Matthew 7:14 – The narrow path requiring a departure from the broad way
“But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” – Matthew 7:14
Also Read: 30 Important Bible Verses About Missionary Work
What Does the Bible Say About Leaving?
The Bible provides us with wisdom and guidance on many aspects of life, and the topic of leaving is no exception. Whether it’s moving to a new place, saying goodbye to loved ones, or leaving behind old ways, the Bible shares meaningful insights on how to handle these situations.
In our lives, we often face times when we need to make significant changes or move away from familiar surroundings. This can be challenging and can bring about feelings of uncertainty. However, the Bible reassures us that God is with us every step of the way. For example, when Abram was called to leave his home and go to a new land, he trusted God’s promise and set out on his journey. This story encourages us to have faith and trust that God has a plan for our futures.
Another area where leaving plays a big role is in our relationships. Sometimes we have to say farewell to friends or family members. This can be emotional and hard to do, but there’s comfort in knowing that God understands our feelings and supports us through these goodbyes. The story of Ruth and Naomi is a beautiful example of loyalty and love. Ruth chose to leave her homeland to stay with Naomi, showing us the importance of being there for each other even in difficult times.
Leaving can also mean moving away from old habits or negative influences. In the New Testament, we learn about transforming our lives to reflect our faith. We might need to let go of behaviors or environments that don’t align with our beliefs. This kind of leaving is not just physical but also spiritual. It’s about growing closer to what God wants for us and living a life that reflects His teachings.
In conclusion, the Bible offers us various stories and lessons on leaving. It encourages us to trust in God’s plan, support one another through changes, and grow in our faith by leaving behind what no longer serves us. By relying on these teachings, we can approach life’s transitions with courage and hope.