Singleness is seen in the Bible as a unique season with its own blessings. It highlights the benefits of focusing on faith without the distractions of relationships. These verses encourage singles to embrace this time with joy and purpose, trusting in God’s plan for their lives.
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What Does The Bible Say About Being 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 emphasizes the value of remaining single, as it allows individuals to fully dedicate themselves to serving the Lord without the responsibilities and distractions of marriage.
Being single can provide an opportunity for undivided devotion to God and the ability to focus on personal growth, spiritual development, and fulfilling God’s purposes in life beyond the scope of a marital relationship.
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.”
These verses highlight the advantage of being single in terms of undistracted devotion to the Lord. Singles have fewer earthly responsibilities and therefore can focus more on serving the Lord wholeheartedly, without the competing priorities that marriage often brings.
Remaining single enables individuals to fully dedicate their time, energy, and attention to seeking the Lord’s will and fulfilling His purposes, without the potential distractions and obligations that come with a marital relationship.
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.”
In this verse, Jesus acknowledges that some people choose to remain single and celibate for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. This choice reflects a deep commitment to living a life fully devoted to God and His purposes, even at the sacrifice of a traditional marriage.
By choosing a life of singleness and celibacy, individuals demonstrate their willingness to prioritize their relationship with God above all else, allowing them to serve Him with undivided focus and dedication.
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 encourages singles, especially young ones, to embrace their season of singleness and set an exemplary standard for other believers. Despite their age or marital status, they can still impact others through their words, actions, love, faith, and purity.
Being single does not diminish one’s ability to make a positive influence in the lives of others. Instead, it presents a unique opportunity to shine a light on Christ and inspire those around them through their character and godly example.
Proverbs 18:22
“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.”
While this verse highlights the blessings of finding a spouse, it also implies that those who do not find a spouse are not excluded from God’s favor and goodness. The emphasis is on the importance of finding a virtuous and suitable partner, but it does not diminish the value of singleness as a valid and fulfilling way of life.
Being single can still lead to experiencing God’s favor and blessings in various other aspects of life, including personal growth, ministry, friendships, and the fulfillment of God’s purpose.
James 1:27
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
This verse teaches that true religion encompasses caring for those in need and maintaining a life of holiness. Singles have the unique opportunity to invest their time and resources in serving others, such as orphans, widows, and those in distress, without the added responsibilities of marriage and family.
Being single allows individuals to dedicate themselves to acts of compassion, demonstrating God’s love to those in need, and living a life separated from worldly influences that could hinder their faith and obedience to God.
Psalm 37:4
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Regardless of marital status, this verse reminds us that finding delight in the Lord should be our primary focus. As singles, we can cultivate a deep relationship with God, seeking His will, and finding contentment and fulfillment in Him alone.
When our delight is in the Lord, He promises to align the desires of our hearts with His perfect plan, whether that includes marriage or a life of singleness devoted solely to Him.
Mark 12:30-31
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
These verses highlight the two greatest commandments: to love God with all our being and to love our neighbors as ourselves. As singles, we have the capacity and freedom to devote our entire being to loving God and others without the divided focus that marriage often requires.
By embracing our singleness, we can wholeheartedly love and serve God and our neighbors, living out these foundational commandments and making a significant impact in the lives of those around us.
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.”
These verses remind singles to trust in the Lord completely and surrender their lives to His guidance and direction. Being single provides an opportunity to rely fully on God’s wisdom and discernment, seeking Him in all decisions and paths.
By submitting to God, singles can trust that He will lead them in straight and purposeful paths, guiding them into His perfect will for their lives, whether that involves remaining single or eventually entering into a marriage relationship.
Philippians 4:11-13
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
In these verses, the apostle Paul shares his secret to contentment, regardless of the circumstances. As singles, we can learn to be content in our current season, knowing that our satisfaction and fulfillment come not from external circumstances but from Christ alone.
By relying on Christ’s strength and finding contentment in Him, we can navigate the ups and downs of singleness with peace, joy, and a steadfast trust in God’s plan for our lives.
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’s plans for our lives are ultimately good and purposeful, regardless of our relationship status. As singles, we can find comfort in knowing that God has a specific plan and purpose for us, bringing about prosperity, hope, and a fulfilling future.
In the waiting and uncertainty of being single, we can trust in God’s sovereignty, knowing that His timing and plan are perfect, and that He will work all things together for our ultimate good and His glory.
Ecclesiastes 3:1
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”
This verse reminds us that life is made up of various seasons, each with its own purpose and significance. Singleness is a unique season that offers opportunities for personal growth, self-discovery, and service to God and others.
By embracing the season of singleness, we can appreciate the present moment and make the most of the opportunities for growth and impact that it offers, trusting that God is using this season to shape and prepare us for His greater purposes.
Psalm 27:14
“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”
Waiting on the Lord is a common theme throughout Scripture. As singles, we can take comfort in knowing that God is with us in our waiting and that He has a perfect plan and timing for our lives.
During seasons of singleness, it is essential to remain strong and take heart, trusting in God’s faithfulness and His ability to fulfill His promises. In the waiting, we can cultivate patience, faith, and a deeper reliance on the Lord.
Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
These verses encourage singles to find solace in being still before God and recognizing His authority and sovereignty over all things. In the stillness, we can experience His presence, find peace, and deepen our trust in Him.
Being still allows us to quiet our hearts, silence the distractions, and align our focus with God’s purposes. It is in this posture of stillness that we can fully surrender ourselves to His will and find contentment and fulfillment in Him alone.
Psalm 34:10
“The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.”
Seeking the Lord in all areas of our lives, including our singleness, ensures that we lack no good thing. God promises to provide for and satisfy those who seek Him wholeheartedly, regardless of their marital status.
Instead of focusing on what we lack in our singleness, we can fix our gaze on the abundant goodness and faithfulness of God, knowing that He will supply all our needs and fulfill every longing of our hearts in ways that surpass our expectations.
Psalms 37:7
“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
In our singleness, it is essential to wait patiently on the Lord and avoid comparing our journey to others. The world may celebrate certain successes or relationships, but we are called to find our contentment in God alone and trust His timing.
When we fix our eyes on the Lord and patiently wait for His plans to unfold, we can rest assured that His ways are higher and His timing is perfect. We are freed from the anxiety that may come from comparing ourselves to others and can trust in His faithfulness and goodness throughout our single season.
Psalm 34:17
“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.”
This verse assures singles that God hears their cries and is always attentive to their needs. In times of struggle or loneliness, we can find solace in knowing that the Lord is near and is faithful to deliver us from all our troubles.
As singles, we can approach our challenges and concerns with confidence, knowing that our cries will not go unheard. God is our ever-present help, ready to provide comfort, guidance, and strength in every situation we face.
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
This verse encourages singles to place their hope in the Lord, for in Him, we find the strength to overcome weariness and discouragement. As we fix our eyes on Him, He renews our strength, enabling us to walk through our single season with endurance and perseverance.
By relying on the Lord’s promises and trusting in His faithfulness, we can soar above the challenges and limitations that may accompany singleness, finding supernatural strength to run the race set before us.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
As singles, we are called to live counter-culturally, not conforming to the world’s expectations or pressures. Instead, we are encouraged to renew our minds and align our thoughts with God’s perspective.
In the process of renewing our minds, we gain clarity and understanding of God’s will for our lives. We can discern His good, pleasing, and perfect will, including whether that includes a relationship or the pursuit of a fulfilling life as a single person.
Hebrews 10:23
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
These verses remind singles to hold steadfastly to the hope we have in Christ, for His promises are trustworthy and true. Regardless of our relationship status, we can find confidence in the faithfulness of God.
By holding unswervingly to our hope in Him, we can navigate the uncertainties and challenges of singleness with a firm assurance that God is working all things for our good and that He will never abandon or forsake us.
Psalm 27:1
“The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
These verses remind singles that we need not fear or be anxious about our future because the Lord is our light, salvation, and stronghold. He is with us, guiding and protecting us in every season of life.
Knowing that God is our ultimate source of security and strength, we can confidently face the challenges and uncertainties of singleness, trusting in His unwavering love and faithful provision.
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
The Word of God serves as a guiding light for singles, illuminating their path and providing wisdom for decision-making. In moments of uncertainty, the Bible offers direction and counsel, providing clarity about God’s will and purposes.
By immersing ourselves in God’s Word, we can uncover the truths and principles that will guide our decision-making, relationships, and growth as singles, ensuring that our paths align with His perfect plan.
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:”
This verse encourages singles to commit their lives, including their desires for companionship, to the Lord. By trusting in His wisdom and timing, we can rest assured that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect way and at the right time.
Surrendering our desires and plans to God requires faith and humility, but it also brings freedom and peace. As we commit our ways to the Lord, we can trust that He will work all things together for our good and His glory, according to His loving and sovereign purposes.