Main Thought
Society can obsess over romantic love, attraction, and sex. Even Christians can unintentionally turn marriage into an idol, hoping that it will their fulfill their ultimate needs and desires. But being single (biblically defined as unmarried and celibate) is a valid option in God’s eyes. It’s such a good option that even Jesus chose it while He walked the earth! Singleness provides special opportunities and freedom to people. It grants a greater level of autonomy than that which is experienced by those who commit to covenant marriage. A single person can use their increased opportunities to serve God and impact eternity, like the Apostle Paul did. Choosing to be unmarried and celibate, even for a season, gives people an opportunity to discover fulfillment in God as they exercise self-control. This fulfillment can be displayed to the world as a beautiful testimony, in which God’s love is experienced differently in manner yet equally in measure.
Main Passages
17 Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.
- 1 Corinthians 7:17
10 The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” 11 But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. 12 For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.”
- Matthew 19:10-12
32 I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. 33 But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, 34 and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband. 35 I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.
- 1 Corinthians 7:32-35
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?
Is the love of Jesus Christ sufficient to meet the deepest needs of intimacy in a person’s life? Why or why not?
If you are single, how can you best cherish the life that God has called you to lead? If you are married, how can you best support those around you who are single right now?