Singleness and the Bible

So what does the Bible say about singleness? First it reminds us that Jesus himself was single, although he is also set before us as God's model for humanness.
This should not lead us to glorify singleness (since marriage is God's general will for human beings, GN 2:18) but rather to affirm that it is possible to be single and fully human at the same time! The world may say that sexual experience is indispensable to being human, the Bible flatly disagrees.

Secondly, both Jesus and the apostle Paul refer to singleness as a divine vocation for some (Mt 19:10-12; 1Cor7:7). Paul adds that both marriage and singleness are a charisma, a gift of God's grace.

Thirdly, Paul indicated that one of the blessings of singleness is that it releases people to give their 'undivided devotion' to the Lord Jesus. (1Cor7:32-35)

The truth is although unmarried people may find their singleness lonely (and at times acutely so), we will not end up in neurotic turmoil if we accept God's will for our lives. Unhappiness comes only if we rebel against his will.
There is nothing theologically dubious in wanting to get married, but it is unspiritual to worry about it.

But now another question, which one of the following three verses is the most important scripture?
A) It is not good for the man to be alone (Gen 2:18)
B) Go and make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19)
C) Take care of my sheep (Jn 21:16)

Certainly the third one is the most quoted, but how can we fulfill the great commission when the church is drained by the exodus of those singles who weren't looked after?

Writing to the church in Corinth, the apostle Paul uses the metaphor of the church being like a human body in which all parts are dependent of each other. We know how true this is, if we hurt our feet, our body cannot go anywhere, the same with the church, when a part of the church is in pain the well being of the church is affected.

God created us to have close relationships with other human beings. When He created Adam, God made a perfect being. Yet he said, "It is not good for man to be alone." (Gen 2:18).
Then He created Eve from Adam's rib to provide close, intimate relationships with Him. You see friendship and companionship are normal healthy needs that all of us have.

The Lord also wanted our need for intimate friendship to be met through communion with Him. Those who have committed their lives to Christ are being sought by Him for daily companionship, building a relationship through prayer and fellowship with Him and each other.

© 1998 Emy Böning, last updated 1st November 1998

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