The Bible recommends singleness, if possible for you

Published on Updated on

The Bible recommends people remain single, if possible for them. We see that in the Lord Jesus Christ, in the Apostle Paul, and in the prophet Jeremiah.

 

 

Many people assume the Bible calls us to get married. However, the Bible actually recommends singleness, if possible.

We see that in the life and teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the life and teachings of the Apostle Paul, and in the life of the prophet Jeremiah.

Singleness is a calling. A vocation.

To be single is not to be a second-class citizen in the Kingdom of God.

Singleness makes possible a greater single-mindedness. The single person can be more single-minded for Christ than the married person.

However, singleness doesn’t guarantee greater single-mindedness.

The Bible does not associate singleness with becoming a Catholic nun or brother or priest. It does not mention those things at all.

If you are single, you can try to remain single. Do it as an experiment. See if it works for you.

If yes, then hurray! You’ve found a beautiful calling.

If not, then hurray! You know singleness is not your calling. Celebrate being married!

 

THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

 

The Lord Jesus Christ was single. And he recommends people remain single, if possible:

Matthew 19:10. Jesus’ disciples then said to him, “If this is the case, it is better not to marry!” “Not everyone can accept this statement,” (NAB translation)

Matthew 19:11. Jesus said. “Only those whom God helps. (NAB translation)

Matthew 19:12. Some are born as eunuchs, some have been made eunuchs by others, and some choose not to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let anyone accept this who can.” (NAB translation)

 

SAINT PAUL

 

The Apostle Paul was single. And he recommends people remain single, if possible:

1 Corinthians 7:7. But I wish everyone were single, just as I am. Yet each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another. (NLT translation)

1 Corinthians 7:8. So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows—it’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am. (NLT translation)

1 Corinthians 7:9. But if they can’t control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It’s better to marry than to burn with lust. (NLT translation)

 

JEREMIAH

 

The prophet Jeremiah was single:

Jeremiah 16:2. The Lord gave me another message. He said, “Do not get married or have children in this place.” (NLT translation)

 

Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotations on this page are from the World English Bible and the World Messianic Edition. These translations have no copyright restrictions. They are in the Public Domain.