1 Corinthians 7:8-9
To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am. But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
Here is the clue in the New Testament that Paul was single and likely never married. Being single may require someone to exercise a great deal of self control. Paul’s big concern in this situation is that someone does not fall into sexual sin. This sin would be committed outside of a monogamous marriage covenant. Paul is still reflecting on his ideas given in 6:19-20, that our bodies are not our own. Since we have been purchased from slavery to sin and its passions, we must live a new type of life. For single people, it will require submission to the supremacy of Christ in their lives. This will open the floodgates of God’s grace which will enable them to live above this deep human instinct and passion. Outside of this essential commitment to God, sexual temptations may increase to become a snare to one’s walk with Christ.
There are single people who want to get married but never do or do not find a person to marry. Our modern world has made this complicated. I am sad for those who find themselves in this situation. I can only encourage them to seek God’s grace and the presence of the Holy Spirit to help them find peace in their situation. It would be better to remain single that rush and find just any ole available person and then live in miserly because of a bad choice. In all things, seek God in earnest prayer that you may know and be guided in the best path for yourself.
For older posts, click here.