The Bible teaches us about the gift of being single, and how we can find purpose in it by spending time with God’s affairs.
I used to feel discouraged by the fact of being single, of not having someone I could talk to everyday or share fun moments with. “Why don’t you talk to me?” God asked me one day while I was praying.
That’s when I decided to shift my perspective on being single, and started being more intentional about spending time with God. It became essential for me to have quiet time to talk to him, read his word or just listen to worship music and be in his presence. I also signed up to serve and attend different events that were being carried out at my church.
Soon, I found myself spending most of my time involved in God’s affairs and serving others. I realized this lifestyle was more beautiful than I could've ever imaged, and I’d never felt more accomplished, satisfied and joyful in my life.
Paul says in his first letter to the Corinthians: “I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.” (1 Corinthians 7:7) He’s talking about being married and being single — how they are both good and meant for a great purpose.
Paul was never married, and he urges the readers that being single a gift. Sometimes we idolize marriage so much that we forget how singleness could be the biggest blessing for us. Instead, we see it as a burden.
We feel the pressure not only from society, but sometimes even from the church. What if single members were encouraged to embrace their singleness as a vocation (whether temporary or permanent), central to the life and ministry of the church? Perhaps we would spend more time discovering on our calling, rather than complaining and living in frustration and despair.
Married or single?
In verses 32 to 34 Paul continues talking about how unmarried people have their concerns in the Lord’s affairs. That’s what makes it such a beautiful place to be. Not that marriage isn’t, but if we can see how we can use our time being single as an opportunity to grow in our relationship with Jesus, serve others and be focused on matters of his kingdom, we can have a different perspective and find joy in it.
When we delight ourselves in the Lord, we don’t have time to compare our lives with others, or to feel discouraged by our relationship status. We can actually feel fulfillment in our hearts knowing that we are doing what we are meant to do in this season of our lives.
The point is not whether you are single or married because God considers both of these life circumstances as gifts. Neither should be devalued or avoided, but rather embraced and lived to the fullest!
What do you think about the gift of being single? How can you walk in your purpose in the season you are right now?