In 1 Corinthians 7:32-33, Paul says:
I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But the married man is concerned about worldly matters—how he can please his wife.(ESV)
And in verse 28, he adds:
But if you marry, you have not sinned; and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. However, those who marry will face troubles in this life, and I want to spare you from that.(ESV)
Explanation:
First of all, Paul isn’t insisting that everyone must marry or remain single. Marriage is a good and honorable institution with many benefits, both in everyday life and in ministry. It helps protect a person from sexual immorality and unhealthy desires (1 Corinthians 7:2). It also eliminates loneliness (Genesis 2:18). When two become one flesh, they find strength and comfort together.
At the same time, God gives us a choice. If someone has the self-control to remain single (1 Corinthians 7:9), this can be a better situation for serving God. Being unmarried means fewer distractions from worldly concerns.
The Reality of Marriage:
Marriage naturally divides a person’s focus. The Bible says that a married person’s attention is split as they seek to please their spouse. While this is a good and loving responsibility, it also brings certain challenges: resolving family conflicts, raising children, covering education and healthcare costs, managing household needs, and so on. These difficulties grow over time and can limit how much one can devote to ministry. Paul refers to these as the “present distress.”
Paul’s Practical Advice:
In 1 Corinthians 7:26-27, Paul advises:
In other words, given the troubles of life, Paul recommends that believers stick to their current situation. Those who remain single generally avoid some of the added burdens that come with marriage, allowing them greater freedom to serve the Lord.
Conclusion:
Being married doesn’t prevent anyone from serving God effectively—in fact, many married believers serve with great dedication. However, marriage comes with extra responsibilities and concerns that can affect ministry focus. Singles often have fewer distractions and more flexibility to dedicate themselves fully to God’s work.
May the Lord bless you richly.
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