Dialogue On Singles

with Thoko Siwela

SINGLES AND THE CHURCH

The church needs both married and single people. Each state is a gift and has a necessary place in the body of Christ. 

There are no second - class Christians, for in Christ, we stand equal before God (Gal. 3:28). 

Whether single for a season or for life, single people have much to contribute to our church communities. 

Allow them to flourish as God has gifted them.

Understand what the Bible teaches us about singleness and marriage.

Marriage is a beautiful picture of the gospel. We are the bride and Christ is the bridegroom.

Marriage is one significant way God chooses to demonstrate His glory to the world.

However, it’s not the only way. The single life also demonstrates God’s glory to the watching world.

The Bible gives clear teaching on marriage and singleness:

Both marriage (Proverbs 18:22) and singleness (1 Corinthians 7:7) are gifts from the Lord. Be content with either situation that you currently find yourself in.

Marriage is a unique reflection of God’s glory for earth, but it’s temporary. There will be no marriage in eternity (Matthew 22:30).

A biblical marriage is between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24-25).

Paul reminds us that singleness allows for undivided devotion to the things of God (1 Corinthians 7:35).

Therefore, while marriage and family may be common for most Christians, singleness is both a legitimate and honorable state for those who use their energies for serving the kingdom of Christ. 

The gift of singleness enables the unmarried to pursue the interests of the gospel with single-minded focus (1 Corinthians 7:32–35). 

And as the New Testament richly displays, there is no greater joy than helping others find their joy in Christ (1 Thessalonians 3:8–9, 2:19; Philippians 2:17; 3 John 1:4).

So brothers and sisters, as God gives us spiritual gifts without regard to marital status, singles should be encouraged to  lead, teach, administrate, disciple, or do whatever else the Spirit has gifted them with to serve. 

It benefits the church when all members operate as God has wired them.

Thoko Siwela is a Gender   expert based in Bulawayo.