It’s Okay to Be Single

You know that cute couple who’s always posting photos of how much fun they’re having together and always raving about one another? Ever been envious of them? It can feel really lonely to be the person who is still single when your friends are all dating.

The Bible has good news: it’s okay to be single! In fact, there are times when it can be better than being in a relationship. In 1 Corinthians 7:7, the apostle Paul writes, “But I wish everyone were single, just as I am.â€

Why on earth does he say that? Think of that couple again. They spend a lot of time thinking about each another, don’t they? Some of that is good, but the trouble begins when we’re so busy thinking about making others happy that we don’t think about making God happy. Simply put, it can be tempting to place our identity in our relationship status instead of in Jesus.

So, is it okay to date and get married? Absolutely. In that same chapter in 1 Corinthians, Paul makes it clear that it’s not a sin to get married and that Christian marriage is one good way people can serve God.

What’s important is that you think honestly about whether your romantic relationship helps you serve God better. Do you help each other grow deeper in your relationships with Christ? Are you able to serve each other, sharing tasks and burdens and so accomplish more? Those are good reasons to date and get married.

But if you are in a relationship just to make you happy, that relationship may be becoming your identity instead of your relationship with God.

If you’re single, you can be content, eagerly looking for opportunities to serve God and only dating if it better serves Him. Whatever your relationship status, seek to glorify Christ above all else (1 Corinthians 10:31).

• As Christians, we’re part of God’s family (Romans 8:16-18). Married or single, we are never alone because we have Jesus and the community of His people. Who in your church has shown Christ’s love to you? How can you reach out to show Jesus’ love to the people in your church?
• What can people who are in romantic relationships do (or not do) to make single people feel less left out or lonely?

But I wish everyone were single, just as I am. Yet each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another. 1 Corinthians 7:7 (NLT)

Read Verses:

1 Corinthians 7:1-9, 25-38