Singleness
Blessings, Burdens, and Belonging
God instituted marriage for humankind right from the beginning, telling Adam, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make a helper fit for him,” and then providing Eve for a wife (Genesis 2:18-24). We all receive many good gifts from God according to His will; marriage in the Lord is a blessing that many believers receive by His hand. Just as in the Scriptures, some believers today may walk through life without a spouse. And just as in the Scriptures, these believers can fulfill God’s purpose in service, living a meaningful life.
People may find themselves single for different reasons: by choice, either to devote themselves in service or because they turn down a worldly partner (Matthew 19:12); by reason of not finding anyone suitable; or by the death of a spouse, like Anna (Luke 2:36). In fact, most older people today are single; in Canada in 2022, 42% of people aged 85 or older were living alone.
While singlehood can bring freedom of movement and allow more time to devote to service, a single adult may also experience loneliness, feelings of being unloved or unworthy, and grief, especially if they have desired children. Attending events like Bible School alone can be daunting, or travelling made difficult, compared to the experience of a married person who has a companion to look out for them and share the joys. Sometimes couples want to spend time with other couples, and single people may be overlooked.
This website offers resources to assist both single people and those wanting to explore how to take better care of those who are single (or lonely). We hope these resources will prompt conversations and rethinking by both singles and marrieds as to the role and real value that single believers contribute in the household of faith.
Created, Called, and Complete
Singleness is part of an identity. When asked by other people to “share a bit about yourself”, we often reply with information about where we live, our married status, our job, how many children we have, or our membership in a particular group. The YANYO Focus Group seeks to address singleness primarily as it relates to our identity as created individuals made in God’s image, seeking to follow Jesus Christ.
Unlike the other challenges to living in the framework of a Biblical worldview and building God-centered families, singleness is not a social ill. It is not in itself a problem to be fixed. It is part of a state of being which all believers experience for some portion of their life. Given the challenges our current cultural climate presents for ALL believers to live out a truly Biblical worldview, it would serve our communities well to rethink singleness, both our perceptions of it and our responses to it.
Consider that, although the proportion of single people to married varies by region, culture, and from one ecclesia to another, demographic data shows single people outnumber married people globally. Complex factors such as economic and social change, including the normalization of both divorce and sexual activity outside marriage, have contributed to the decline in marriage rates in developed countries. It therefore seems reasonable to recommend that our faith communities consider more intentional and compassionate approaches to the challenges faced by single, as well as married households.
As we experience life, we may find ourselves relating to faithful believers of old whom God has provided for our example. Those whose circumstances match our own can inspire us with hope and courage. We all relate to Jesus, who “because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Throughout his many trials, he remained obedient to His Father, giving his life in love to “deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage”, that is, all of us. (Hebrews 2: 15, 18). Consider that Jesus lived in singlehood, along with other faithful believers like Paul, Jeremiah and Anna, and fulfilled God’s purpose in this state.
A Life Set Apart.
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Singleness: Being Unmarried for Life
For some, following Christ means remaining unmarried. While this path may include sacrifice, it is not emptiness. God promises joy in His presence, purpose in His service, and a place within His household that endures forever.
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More Helpful Resources on Singleness
A compilation of researched books, podcasts, videos, and other literature that may be helpful or edifying, regarding God's Word related to this subject matter.