BY MARGARET Y. BUAPIM

According to research, more than half of Americans are single. About twenty percent of those single Americans are Christians. Yet, in some faith communities, singleness continues to be seen as a stigma and viewed as an unfavorable position reflecting on the personality and character of the one who remains unmarried.

Is singleness a sign of disfavor from God? The bible does not teach this. The Apostle Paul remained single. Jesus Christ espoused the virtues of singleness. There are also examples in the bible of those who were dedicated to God and remained single, such as Jeremiah and the daughter of Jephthah.

God Originally Blessed Marriage

God originally blessed marriage with the first union of Adam and Eve.  His intention was for companionship and partnership between the pair and stated that the two would become one. Marriage continues to be an aspect of blessing according to God’s word.

There are definite benefits to marriage including the extra strength to defeat challenges and the privelidge of raising a family.  Yet, early in God’s word single women were not ignored and their need for security was addressed by God. The daughter’s of Zelophedad appealed to God to be granted a property inheritance  because they had no husbands and their father had no sons. They were in danger of having no financial security under the law since their father had died. God wanted to hear their case and agreed with them. God showed in His decision that He cares for the plight of both the married and those who are unmarried. He has blessings for both.

Sometimes Singleness is a Season

For most, singleness is for a season. The bible gives examples of those who for a period of time were without a mate. It also exemplifies how their character development during this period of time aided them in being noticed by the ones who would later become their spouses. Examples are Rahab, the prostitute who later married Joshua, and Ruth, the widow who later married Boaz and became an ancestor of King David.

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/livingoutloud/2023/12/is-singleness-a-sign-of-disfavor-from-god/