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1 Corinthians 7:25-35 (NIV)
Concerning the Unmarried
25 Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. 26 Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is. 27 Are you pledged to a woman? Do not seek to be released. Are you free from such a commitment? Do not look for a wife. 28 But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this. 29 What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; 30 those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; 31 those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away. 32 I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. 33 But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife— 34 and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. 35 I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.
How can an unmarried person find emotional fulfillment and intimacy if they have chosen to remain single to be more devoted to the Lord?
Precious Father, You are the most important relationship in my life. No matter if married or single, emotional fulfillment and intimacy are found in a close relationship with You. As much as I intend to devote personal time with You, even schedule it, I end up spending my time trying to get one more thing done or responding to one more daily crisis instead. Although that can be a challenge for all of us, this may be easier if a person is single. Single people usually have more flexibility over how they spend their time. The time and energy that married people spend on caring for and nurturing each other, the unmarried can spend on becoming whole and holy instruments of God. I know that there are many people who find themselves single by no choice of their own and I pray for their confidence and strength. The tasks for single parents are overwhelming and I pray for Your care to help them be sustained during this season. Everything in life pales into insignificance compared to the glory of being in Your presence and doing Your will. Both marriage and singleness are gifts from You when we delight in putting You first. What really matters is our undivided devotion to You. Spending time with You is fulfilling and liberating. Lord help it to be a priority for me to develop a way of life where I can spend precious time together with You without a lot of distractions. Help me to detach from the things of this world. Lord, guide me to find fulfillment and contentment in whatever situation I find myself in so that I can lead a life pleasing to You. Amen