Being Married or Living Single–A Christian Role

Regardless of what society you go into, couples (whether two or more) are cherished and rightfully so (when there’s two) as love is a great thing. The old saying “two is company, three’s a crowd” and “two is better than one” shows just what society thinks of relationships and scripture is clear that two is better than one: “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour” (Ecclesiastes 4:9).

With that said, there is a place with scripture for those who live singly. Wait, what? People actually choose to live this way? The answer is yes and there are many different reasons as to why. Some people are tired of being led to and have given up finding a real connection and companion for them while others do not like the “burdens” of being in a committed relationship. Scripture says that being single is a gift and explains that “For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that” (1 Corinthians 7:7).

Being single can be difficult. We all have urges and want to feel like we belong but not everyone feels the need to commit themselves to another person. Personally, I would rather be alone and living singly rather than with someone just because I am afraid to be alone. Jesus Himself says in scripture ”But he said unto them, All men cannot rerceive this saying, save they to whom it is given” (Matthew 19:11). This does not mean that man should not marry but rather, if one does marry then great but if one does not (for whatever reason) it too is good (1 Corinthians 7:25).

We should look deeper into a real relationship or marriage. Marriage is great and should never be frowned upon unless the marriage does not line up with the word of God. If someone gets married because they are afraid of being alone, what is the real gain of such a relationship? The commitment to one another will not be real nor will the true emotions. Marriage is meant to be a sacred bond, not something to pass time by (Proverbs 21:9, Genesis 2:14). If we marry only to keep ourselves entertained, we are marrying for all the wrong reasons but more so, breaking the covenant with the Lord (Jeremiah 31:31-32).

Scripture explains that while the Earth may make those who remain single to feel guilt, Paul explains different advantages including being spared the problems of marriage and devoting completely to God. Paul explains that he wants to spare us of such problems, stating in 1 Corinthians 7:28, “But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you” and further, “But I would have you without carefulness. “He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.”

It is difficult to live single and God knew this which is why God made Adam a helper. Regardless of what we choose, whether it’s marriage or being single, we must keep our focus on Christ. Marriage is a great part of a person’s life but it can be a burden for some. For example, marriage takes a lot of commitment and hard work which many people are not willing to devote which would benefit them staying single. Doing so would provide them with more time to devote to their relationship with Jesus as marriage requires time for another person. Despite this, we are all in the same boat as we are to spread the word of God and God’s message wherever we go.

Being single does not take away from our responsibilities of letting the world know about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Matthew 16:15-16 reads, “And he said to them, ’Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. Jesus does not say married or unmarried people should spread the Gospel but rather, whoever believes. Further, we are told in Psalms 96:3 “Declare his glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people.”

Being single can be hard for many people. Even the strongest of men/women find themselves alone struggling for something bigger than themselves but its clear, from scripture, that all of us have the same mission. The good thing is being single is not permanent. In fact, we are encouraged to enjoy the moments being single and we should thank God for being the opportunity and we should give all to God and do everything the best we can to be Godly. Last but not least, we should keep our eyes fixed on Heaven regardless of our relationship status.