What Does The Bible Say About Single Women?
In today’s society, being an unmarried woman often carries a stigma. However, the Bible has a lot to say about the beauty and purpose of singleness. If you’re wondering what the Word of God says about single women, you’ve come to the right place.
Here’s a quick answer: The Bible affirms the value of single women and describes singleness as a gift. Single women are encouraged to find fulfillment in Christ and live purposeful lives for His glory.
Singleness as a Gift
Singleness Allows for Undivided Devotion to God
Being single allows Christian men and women to focus more fully on building their relationship with God. They have more time for prayer, Bible study, and Christian service. The apostle Paul highlights this benefit in 1 Corinthians 7:32-34, “I want you to be free from anxieties.
The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit.
But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband.” Here Paul explains that unmarried Christians can devote themselves more completely to pleasing the Lord without the worries of marriage. Their interests are undivided.
This undivided focus allows single men and women to invest greatly in ministries and service. Many single missionaries, pastors, and ministry leaders reflect this truth. Famous examples include Amy Carmichael, Lottie Moon, and Mother Teresa.
Their singleness enabled them to fully dedicate their lives to Christian work. Overall, Scripture affirms singleness as a positive state for deepening devotion and service to God.
Singleness Provides Unique Opportunities for Ministry
In addition to undivided focus, singleness also offers unique opportunities for ministry and spreading the gospel. Single adults often have more flexibility in where they live and work. They can relocate to difficult places in order to reach people with the good news of Christ.
The apostle Paul recognizes this advantage in 1 Corinthians 7:32-35, “I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife…I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.”
Here Paul explains that unmarried Christians have the flexibility to wholly serve God without family obligations.
Single men and women can also enter into ministries that would be more difficult for married people. For example, Catholic priests and nuns embrace celibacy to serve their religious order. Young adults may choose short-term mission trips or volunteer work that would be harder for parents.
Widowed and divorced people have new opportunities to serve in their older age as well. There are many ways singleness facilitates unique ministry calling and service. Overall the Bible affirms this lifestyle’s special capacity for spreading the gospel.
Finding Fulfillment in Christ
Identity is Found in Christ, Not Marital Status
As a single woman, it can be easy to feel like you are incomplete or lacking purpose without a spouse. However, the Bible teaches us that our identity and fulfillment are found in Christ alone, not our marital status. Here are some truths to remember:
- You are fully known and loved by God. “I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1). God’s love for you is not dependent on your relationship status.
- Your worth comes from being made in God’s image. “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them” (Genesis 1:27). Married or single, your dignity comes from bearing God’s image.
- God has a purpose for you as a single woman. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). God’s plans for you are good no matter your marital status.
- Fulfillment comes from intimacy with Christ. “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). A relationship with Jesus brings abundant life.
The most important relationship is your connection to Jesus. As a single woman, nurture that bond through prayer, studying the Bible, worship, and Christian community. Let Christ define you and give you purpose. Your marital status does not determine your value or significance.
Satisfaction Comes from Relationship with God
It’s easy for single women to feel discontent, longing for a husband and children. However, God alone can truly satisfy our deepest needs for love and belonging. Here are some principles for finding contentment as a single woman:
- Seek your satisfaction in God. “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). As you prioritize intimacy with God, He will shape your desires.
- Cultivate gratitude for God’s blessings. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Thank God daily for His provisions.
- Invest in Christian community. “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). Surround yourself with brothers and sisters in Christ.
- Serve others. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others” (1 Peter 4:10). Using your gifts to help others brings great joy.
- Embrace God’s timing. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Trust God’s perfect timing for marriage or singleness.
Learning to be content in singleness is a process requiring patience and perseverance. But as you seek intimacy with Christ, He will fill you with supernatural peace and satisfaction. You can experience joyful, purposeful living as you wait on God’s timing and direction for your life.
Living a Purposeful Life
Using Gifts and Talents for God’s Glory
As a single woman, you have unique gifts and talents that can be used to bring glory to God. Whether you have a gift for teaching, serving, encouragement, generosity, hospitality, or something else, you have opportunities to use it in ways that can powerfully impact lives around you.
For example, if you enjoy writing, you could start a blog sharing your thoughts and insights with other single women seeking guidance. If you love children, you could get involved in mentoring young girls in your church or community who need a positive role model.
Or if you have an entrepreneurial bent, you could start a business that not only utilizes your skills but also creates employment for others.
The options are endless when we commit our gifts to God’s purposes. As the Bible says, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them” (1 Corinthians 12:4). As a single woman, see your unique gifts as resources entrusted to you by God to serve others and further His Kingdom.
Making the Most of Time and Resources
As a single woman, it’s important to be wise and intentional stewards of the time and resources God has given you. Unlike married women who have spouses and children demanding much of their time and attention, you likely have more discretionary time at your disposal.
So what are some ways to make the most of this season? Here are a few ideas:
The key is to see this time in your life as a gift, not something to merely pass the time until marriage comes. God has purposes for you right now as a single woman! Let Him guide you each day to make the most of the resources He has placed in your hands.
Conclusion
The Bible has much to say about the value and purpose of single women. While singleness is sometimes viewed negatively, Scripture describes it as a gift and calls single women to find complete fulfillment in Christ. As a single woman, you have unique opportunities to serve God without distraction.
Seek to use your gifts well and flourish in your relationship with Jesus, your truest spouse. He delights in you and has a purposeful calling for your life.
