1 Corinthians 7:37
But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin—this man also does the right thing.
This directive may leave a few broken hearts, but again, we must consider the larger picture of kingdom business. Behind this verse is the concept of self-control. Self-control is an attribute of the Spirit-filled life. A man must exercise such self-control when he is drawn to a woman but feels God’s call in other directions. This is not an easy thing to do. I have known a few people who would fit into this scenario. For reasons I do not know nor do I need to know, these persons have not married but instead, devoted their lives to God’s work. I have the highest respect for those who have exercised this self-control. It is not an easy decision. In some ways, it will bring about a certain loneliness, at least at first, but God is faithful and will bring treasured friends along the path to offer companionship and encouragement to such people. God gives a special grace to such people, a gift that enables them to be self-controlled and to pursue God’s kingdom business. When we meet such people, we must never pass judgment or ask questions like, why did you not marry? This can bring pain and we may be causing a wedge to come between these people and God. Instead, we must offer our friendship and give encouragement to them to be faithful to what God has called them.
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