But if any man thinks that he is acting unbecomingly toward his virgin daughter, if she is past her youth, and if it must be so, let him do what he wishes, he does not sin; let her marry. But he who stands firm in his heart, being under no constraint, but has authority over his own will, and has decided this in his own heart, to keep his own virgin daughter, he will do well. So then both he who gives his own virgin daughter in marriage does well, and he who does not give her in marriage will do better. 1 Corinthians 7:36-38 (NASB) Paul is addressing the behavior of a father not allowing is daughter to marry. The father was forcing her to remain single because of his choice rather than hers. Paul was telling the father to let her marry so that she does not sin. Paul was expressing his personal opinion concerning whether one should marry or not – they were no commands from God. When Paul says an unmarried person does even better he is talking about their potential time for being available to serve God. The single person does not have the responsibility of caring for a spouse and raising a family. Singleness, however, does not ensure service to God. It is the commitment of the individual which determines his amount of service. God is not looking at your marital status when he sees your determination for commitment. He is looking at your desire and follow-through. A married couple can and often are very effective for God as they commit together to do the work of God. A married couple should complement one and another in their service. They have the advantage of being together to comfort each other in times of trials and difficulties whereas the single person must do them alone. The important thing is either way they both have God to get them through hard times.
Posted on: Sun, 16 Jun 2013 11:43:59 +0000
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