Cultural and societal viewpoints often influence how we think about things like singleness. And singleness is so intertwined with marriage. Projecting misconceptions about either upon other people can be hurtful. Instead of listening to the world’s voice, let’s see what God has to say about being single. From Apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth:
Being single is not bad. Being single is actually “good.” (v.8) Conflict with OT? Genesis 2:18, “Not good for man to be alone.”
Not if singleness is a “gift from God.” (v.7) Singleness is not a disease that necessarily needs to be cured. But can be a distraction, requiring self-control. (v.9)
If “burning with passion”, get married! Pastoral counsel: why purity?
Singleness is not always a choice, but only a passing season.For example: widowed, separated, or divorced (v.8, 11)
Hope for what’s to come. Time is passing. (v.29, 31)Marriage is only temporal. (Matthew 22:30)
For singles, the grass is NOT “greener on the other side of the fence,” and has advantages.Free from marital anxieties. (v.32-34)
Undivided devotion to be with God. (v.35) Matthew 19:12, “For the sake of the kingdom of heaven.”
Single or married, both are good; both designed by God to portray the Gospel and fulfill His mission. (v.17, 24)