About virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I do give an opinion as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy. Therefore I consider this to be good because of the present distress: It is fine for a man to remain as he is. Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a wife. However, if you do get married, you have not sinned, and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But such people will have trouble in this life, and I am trying to spare you. And I say this, brothers: The time is limited, so from now on those who have wives should be as though they had none, those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess, and those who use the world as though they did not make full use of it. For this world in its current form is passing away. I want you to be without concerns. An unmarried man is concerned about the things of the Lord--how he may please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the things of the world--how he may please his wife-- and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or a virgin is concerned about the things of the Lord, so that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the things of the world--how she may please her husband. Now I am saying this for your own benefit, not to put a restraint on you, but because of what is proper and so that you may be devoted to the Lord without distraction. But if any man thinks he is acting improperly toward his virgin, if she is past marriageable age, and so it must be, he can do what he wants. He is not sinning; they can get married. But he who stands firm in his heart (who is under no compulsion, but has control over his own will) and has decided in his heart to keep his own virgin, will do well. So then he who marries his virgin does well, but he who does not marry will do better. A wife is bound as long as her husband is living. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to anyone she wants--only in the Lord. But she is happier if she remains as she is, in my opinion. And I think that I also have the Spirit of God. 

- 1 Corinthians 7:25-40 (HCSB)

In these verses from 1 Corinthians 7, Paul shares heartfelt guidance that touches the lives of the unmarried, the widowed, and those contemplating marriage. His words are not mere instructions but a beacon of encouragement for anyone navigating life’s relational paths. Paul, with a gentle spirit, offers wisdom that can illuminate our journey, whether we’re stepping into a new relationship, considering marriage, or embracing singleness.

Paul reminds us that each state of life—married or unmarried—holds unique opportunities for service and devotion to God. For those who are single, Paul highlights the beauty and value of this season as a time of undivided attention to the Lord. Singleness is not a waiting period but a special season for deeper spiritual growth and contribution to God’s kingdom.

For those considering marriage or remarriage, Paul’s words are equally uplifting. He assures us that marriage is a noble and good path, blessed by God and designed for companionship and mutual support. Paul encourages those who desire marriage to pursue it with God’s blessing, ensuring that their relationship is centered in Christ.

What stands out in Paul’s message is the freedom and grace with which we can make these life decisions. Whether choosing to marry or remain single, the underlying principle is to live in a manner that brings glory to God and peace to our hearts. Paul’s wisdom is a reminder that in all our decisions, our primary commitment is to the Lord, and our relationship with Him guides and shapes every aspect of our lives.

Daily Life Application:

• Celebrate Your Current Season: Whether single or married, recognize this time as a gift from God, designed for you to grow closer to Him and to serve in unique ways.
• Make Decisions with God at the Center: In contemplation of marriage or any significant life choice, seek God’s guidance and wisdom, trusting that He leads you in love.
• Live with Purpose in All Circumstances: Find joy and purpose in your current situation, using it as an opportunity to glorify God and impact those around you.

Questions to Ponder:

• How can I more fully embrace and find joy in the season of life God has placed me in right now?
• In what ways can I involve God more in my decisions about relationships and other significant life choices?
• How can I use my current circumstances, whether single or married, to serve God and others more effectively?

Continue Reading:

• Psalm 37:4 – Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. A reminder of God’s loving provision and guidance.
• Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 – A reflection on the seasons of life, encouraging us to see the beauty and purpose in every season under heaven.
• Philippians 4:11-13 – Paul speaks about contentment in every situation, empowered by Christ who strengthens us, offering encouragement to find peace in our current state.

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Scripture quotations marked HCSB are taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Used by Permission HCSB ©1999,2000,2002,2003,2009 Holman Bible Publishers. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.