Good to be single
Now, concerning what you wrote about unmarried people: I do not have a command from the Lord, but I give my opinion as one who by the Lord’s mercy is worthy of trust.
Considering the present distress, I think it is better for a man to stay as he is. (verses 25, 26)
When is it good to be single? As Paul points out, he is only giving his personal opinion about this, but he believes there are times when it’s good to be single. His practical advice is that in times of social upheaval or persecution it is probably better to forget about marriage for the time being. Paul obviously expected that the world would end soon, and that’s why he suggested to the people of his time who were single that they should forget about marriage.
What Paul says here, however, should never be used to argue that it is better for Christians to be single than married. He doesn’t say that. There may be exceptions, where it would be better for someone not to marry because of their sexual or psychological make-up. But the clear witness of the Scriptures is that people are meant by God to marry, for their own welfare and for the raising of children. But God blesses and uses single people too.
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of marriage and family. Help me to live as your child, faithful to you, whether I find myself to be single or married. Amen.
by contributor, in ‘Direction for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2006)
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