The Bible has a fair amount to say about singleness and affirming the value of singleness for God’s kingdom. While marriage is viewed as a good gift from God, singleness is also presented as a calling with unique opportunities to serve God without distraction. Here’s an overview of some key biblical themes on singleness:
1. Singleness allows undivided devotion to the Lord
Paul encourages singleness because it allows undivided devotion to God. In 1 Corinthians 7:32-35, he writes “I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband. I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.”
The overall point is that singleness provides greater freedom and focus to serve Christ wholeheartedly, without needing to be concerned with pleasing a spouse. Paul notes this is not to say marriage is wrong, but singleness has a unique advantage in undistracted ministry.
2. Singleness allows greater flexibility in difficult times
Paul also notes that singleness allows greater flexibility amidst difficult circumstances. In 1 Corinthians 7:26-27 he writes, “I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is. Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife.”
Paul saw value in remaining single given the “present distress” of persecution and hardship facing the early church. Singleness allowed believers to be more agile and less concerned about providing for and protecting a family during volatile times. They could focus on ministry despite challenges when they did not have spouses and children to worry about.
3. Singleness is a gift to be celebrated
Another important theme is that singleness is a gift to be celebrated, not just a temporary stage to pass through on the way to marriage. Jesus affirms this in Matthew 19:12 saying, “…there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.”
Here Jesus upholds lifelong celibacy or singleness for the sake of God’s kingdom as a noteworthy calling for those who have this gift. The early church also affirmed singleness in leaders like Paul, Barnabas, and Jesus himself, showing singleness was not an impediment to highly effective ministry.
4. Singleness has practical advantages in ministry
Building on the gift idea, Paul notes practical reasons why singleness can enable greater ministry impact. In 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 quoted above, Paul observes that singleness allows for undivided devotion to the Lord’s work and freedom from concerns married couples have. He sees singleness as a good and helpful condition for thriving in ministry.
This isn’t to disparage marriage – just to note the advantages singleness offers. Elsewhere, Jesus also instructs his disciples to remain unmarried and childless as they travel to preach the kingdom message, likely to enable them to minister with greater focus (Luke 18:29).
5. Contentment is key regardless of marital status
A common theme is the importance of contentment regardless of one’s marital situation. As 1 Corinthians 7:17 says, “Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.” Whether married or single, the key is to follow God’s leading for your life and find contentment in your situation.
For singles who desire marriage this requires patient trust in God’s timing and plan. For those called to lifelong singleness, they can rest knowing God has purpose in their status. Married persons are also called to faithfulness and contentment, not looking over the fence at any perceived benefits of singleness.
6. Community is vital for single Christians
While singleness offers some practical advantages in focus, single Christians still need community. This is a theme explored in books like Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 which note the value of having companions to support and strengthen you.
Single Christians should be integrated into the church community, building godly friendships for encouragement, accountability and growth. They should not be isolated or marginalized, but valued as integral members of Christ’s body.
7. Marriage is still upheld as a good gift from God
While singleness is presented as beneficial, Scripture does not diminish marriage but rather upholds it as a blessing to be received with thanksgiving. Hebrews 13:4 honors marriage saying, “Let marriage be held in honor among all.” Married couples represent Christ and the church through their covenant relationship (Ephesians 5:32).
So while singleness has its advantages, marriage is presented as the normative desire for most people. The majority of biblical characters were married, and marriage is part of God’s common grace to all. Those called to singleness are urged to receive it as a gift, while marriage is upheld as a good design for humanity.
8. Single Christians can have intimate friendships
Sometimes single Christians feel lonely without a spouse. However, the Bible presents opportunities for intimacy in godly friendships. David and Jonathan shared a deep platonic friendship described in 1 Samuel 18:1: “After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.”
Ruth and Naomi also formed a devoted friendship after losing their husbands (Ruth 1:16-17). Close friendships can meet singles’ needs for companionship. Ultimately, all Christians’ deepest intimacy comes from relationship with Christ.
9. God promises to meet all our needs
A final encouraging theme is that God promises to meet all needs for intimacy and fulfillment in Him, regardless of marital status. As Psalm 145:16 says, “You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” God deeply knows our desires for love and family and promises to satisfy those who seek Him (Psalm 107:9).
This truth can help singles battling loneliness to trust Christ to meet their needs. Married and single believers alike must find fullest satisfaction in God above all.
10. Biblical examples of godly single men and women
There are many examples in Scripture of godly single men and women who served God faithfully:
- Jesus – Focused on his ministry and set an example of commitment to God’s kingdom (Matthew 8:20)
- Paul – Traveled spreading the gospel across the Roman Empire (1 Corinthians 7:8)
- Barnabas – A leader in the early church known for generosity (Acts 4:36-37)
- Lydia – Leader of the church in Philippi, aided Paul and Silas (Acts 16:13-15)
- Jeremiah – Bold prophet who served during Judah’s rebellion (Jeremiah 16:2)
- Anna – Prophetess who fasted and prayed in the temple (Luke 2:36-38)
- Martha – Devoted sister of Lazarus who welcomed Jesus (Luke 10:38-42)
- Ruth – Loyal daughter-in-law to Naomi who married Boaz (Book of Ruth)
These examples demonstrate that God can powerfully use single men and women for his purposes. Marital status does not determine one’s value in God’s kingdom.
In conclusion, while the Bible affirms marriage, it also presents singleness as a valuable calling with unique opportunities for undivided devotion, flexibility in ministry, and intimate friendship with Christ. Single Christians should embrace their status as a gift and seek contentment in finding fulfillment in God as they use their freedom to serve His kingdom.