Singleness is a season that the Bible speaks of as both a gift and an opportunity. Today, we’ll see what Scripture says about staying single and serving God fully in this stage of life.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Bitterness And Resentment
What Does The Bible Say About Staying Single
1 Corinthians 7:8
“Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I do.”
This verse affirms the value of remaining single, stating that it can be a good and acceptable choice. Staying single can provide individuals with the opportunity to devote themselves wholeheartedly to the Lord and serve Him without distractions.
However, it is important to note that this verse does not suggest that staying single is superior to marriage. Rather, it highlights the benefits and freedom that come with singleness, emphasizing the importance of finding contentment and purpose in whichever season of life one finds themselves.
Matthew 19:12
“For there are eunuchs who were born that way, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by others—and there are those who choose to live like eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.”
Jesus acknowledges that there are those who choose to live a celibate life for the sake of serving the kingdom of God. This verse affirms the choice to remain single and celibate for the purpose of dedicating oneself fully to the work of the Lord.
Choosing a life of singleness in order to focus on serving God is a noble and honorable decision. It requires self-discipline and a deep devotion to God’s kingdom, placing the pursuit of heavenly treasures above earthly relationships.
1 Corinthians 7:32-35
“I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.”
Paul highlights the advantages of remaining single by emphasizing the undivided devotion that can be given to the Lord. Staying single allows individuals to prioritize their relationship with God above all else and not be burdened with worldly concerns.
This verse does not diminish the importance of marriage but highlights the unique ability of single individuals to fully commit themselves to the service of the Lord without the added responsibilities and distractions that come with marriage.
1 Corinthians 7:38
“So then, he who marries the virgin does right, but he who does not marry her does better.”
Paul emphasizes the advantage of remaining single by stating that those who choose not to marry do better. This does not imply that marriage is wrong, but it highlights the potential for greater devotion and undivided service to the Lord in a state of singleness.
Choosing a life of celibacy and remaining single allows individuals to focus completely on their relationship with God and their commitment to serving Him without the distractions and responsibilities that come with marriage.
Luke 20:34-35
“Jesus replied, ‘The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage.’”
Jesus affirms that in the age to come, there will be no marriage, indicating that the institution of marriage will be transcended and no longer necessary.
While marriage is a sacred and beautiful union, this verse suggests that choosing a life of singleness can align with the future reality of God’s kingdom, where relationships will be transformed and perfected.
Isaiah 54:5
“For your Maker is your husband—the LORD Almighty is his name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.”
In an intimate metaphor, Isaiah describes God as the husband to His people, illustrating the deep spiritual union that can be experienced through a personal relationship with Him.
Remaining single allows individuals to seek fulfillment and companionship in God, who satisfies the deepest longings of the heart and serves as the ultimate source of love and guidance.
Psalm 73:25-26
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
The psalmist declares that God alone is their desire, acknowledging the incomparable worth and sufficiency found in a relationship with Him.
Choosing to live a single life enables individuals to cultivate a deep and unwavering dependency on God, recognizing that He alone can truly satisfy and sustain them in every season of life.
Matthew 19:29
“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.”
Jesus assures that those who make sacrifices for the sake of following Him will be richly blessed and will receive abundant rewards, both in this life and in the eternal kingdom to come.
Staying single can represent a sacrifice of earthly relationships, but this verse reminds us that God sees and honors every sacrifice made for His sake, promising incomparable blessings and a glorious inheritance.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Regardless of one’s marital status, this verse encourages putting complete trust in the Lord and wholeheartedly surrendering every aspect of life to His guidance and direction.
Remaining single allows individuals to fully rely on God’s wisdom and leading, seeking His will and allowing Him to establish their paths as they navigate through life’s decisions and challenges.
Psalm 27:4
“One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.”
The psalmist expresses a deep longing to dwell in the presence of the Lord and behold His beauty, desiring intimate communion with Him above all else.
Remaining single provides the opportunity to cultivate a lifestyle of devotion, spending focused time in God’s presence and experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from seeking Him wholeheartedly.
1 Timothy 4:12
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
This verse reminds young individuals, whether single or not, to demonstrate godly character and conduct themselves in a way that honors and reflects their faith.
Remaining single can offer young believers the opportunity to set an example of purity, serving as a powerful testimony to God’s grace and transforming work in their lives.
Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This verse assures that nothing in all creation can separate believers from the love and presence of God.
Remaining single can provide a unique space for individuals to grow in their understanding and experience of God’s unending and unfailing love, finding solace and security in His everlasting embrace.
1 Corinthians 10:31
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of living every aspect of life, including relationships, with the ultimate goal of bringing glory to God.
Whether married or single, individuals can devote themselves to living in a way that showcases God’s character, reflecting His love, grace, and truth to those around them.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Jesus encourages prioritizing the pursuit of God’s kingdom and righteousness above all else, assuring that God will provide for every need and desire.
Remaining single allows individuals to focus solely on seeking God’s kingdom, trusting that He will faithfully meet their needs and grant them the desires of their hearts according to His perfect plan.
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
The psalmist declares the power and guidance found in God’s Word, affirming its ability to illuminate and direct one’s path.
Choosing a life of singleness allows individuals to deeply immerse themselves in God’s Word, relying on its truth and wisdom to navigate through the complexities of life and make decisions that align with His perfect will.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This verse encourages believers to entrust their worries and anxieties to God through prayer, knowing that He can bring peace that surpasses human comprehension.
Remaining single provides an opportunity for individuals to cultivate a deep and intimate prayer life, finding solace, peace, and security as they lean on God in every situation.
Jeremiah 29:11
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
God assures His people that He has plans and purposes for their lives, plans that are filled with hope and a prosperous future.
Remaining single allows individuals to trust in God’s sovereign and loving plans, knowing that He is working all things together for their good and His glory, regardless of their relationship status.
Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
This verse encourages finding delight and satisfaction in the Lord, assuring that He will fulfill the desires of one’s heart according to His perfect will.
Remaining single can provide individuals with the opportunity to cultivate a deep and abiding delight in God, allowing Him to shape and mold their desires in accordance with His good and pleasing purposes.
Hebrews 13:5
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
This verse admonishes believers to cultivate contentment and not be driven by the love of money or material possessions, finding their ultimate satisfaction in God’s faithful presence and provision.
No matter one’s relationship status, remaining single reminds individuals to seek contentment in God alone and trust that He will never leave nor forsake them, regardless of their circumstances.
Psalm 16:11
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
The psalmist acknowledges that true joy and fulfillment are found in God’s presence, and that He alone guides and directs the path of life.
Remaining single can be a path that leads to a deep and intimate relationship with God, experiencing the joy and pleasure that comes from knowing and walking closely with Him.
Matthew 22:30
“At the resurrection, people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.”
Jesus affirms that in the resurrection, the institution of marriage will no longer be relevant, implying that earthly relationships will be transformed and surpassed in the eternal kingdom.
Choosing a life of singleness aligns with the future reality of God’s kingdom, where all believers will be united in perfect love and harmony, experiencing a level of intimacy beyond the limitations of earthly relationships.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
This verse reminds individuals that life consists of various seasons and that there is a divine timing for everything.
Remaining single can be a particular season in one’s life, offering opportunities for personal growth, service, and deepening intimacy with God, before potentially entering a different season according to God’s perfect timing and plan.