This Valentines Day, here is a thought from a famous single man:
1Corinthians 7:7 "I wish that all of you were like me, but God has given different gifts to each of us." (Holy Bible- Contemporary English Version- The Apostle Paul on Singleness and Marriage.)
In the Geneva Version that same verse reads: "For I would that all men were even as I my self am: but every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that."
Did you catch that? He is saying that singleness is a gift. He is also saying that marriage is a gift. God gives a different gift to each person, sometimes just for a season. That means, regarding our personal relationship status, we are all gifted from God. It matters not whether we are in the single life or the married life! People look at me and wonder why I am still single after being divorced for over 2 1/2 years . The short answer is: to us Christians, singleness is a gift, just like marriage. That was Paul's thinking- it's Biblical thinking.
To all single Christians out there today, please remember that you have been given the gift of singleness. God allows you more freedom in ministry and freedom from many household concerns. As one who has enjoyed both the benefits of marriage and also of singleness I understand both sides of it. I suffered through the tragedy of having a wife abandon me. It led to divorce because she repeatedly refused to return home to me, and without reason. Thus, I have endured the tragedy of divorce and have become single again. But God has taught me to see the peace and freedom I have in Him now. Free at home and also free at church to serve and minister to Him! This is God's gift to me, the gift of singleness. Be encouraged today!
-Pastor Curtis
Feb 7 2012 7PM EST
