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Artwork Credit: Young Woman in a Garden of Oranges (1891) by Pascal-Adolphe-Jean Dagnan-Bouveret (1852–1929). Public domain image downloaded from Artvee.com. |
The world often speaks of singleness as a time for chasing experiences—traveling freely, going out late, entertaining attention from many men, and prioritizing personal goals. It is treated as a season when one may live however she pleases, since no one is tied to her life. But the Christian woman does not walk according to that pattern. She belongs to Christ. Her time is not her own, and her body is not for aimless pleasure (1 Cor 6:19–20).
While the world says, “Make the most of your youth,” the Lord says, “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Pet 1:16). Singleness is not an excuse for spiritual neglect. It is a season appointed by God where faith may be deepened, wisdom shaped, and love for Christ cultivated. If she lives this season well, the single woman will look back and see that God was near, and her life bore fruit that will last.
Living with Devotion That Is Undivided
When the apostle Paul described the unmarried woman in 1 Corinthians 7, he spoke of a particular freedom—freedom to focus more readily on the things of the Lord. Her life is not without burdens, yet her time, strength, and affection are not yet bound to the needs of a husband or children. This makes room for deeper study of the Word, more generous hospitality, and service within the Church and beyond.
She may also build habits that will bless her future, should the Lord lead her into marriage or motherhood. But even if He does not, she will not have wasted her strength. She will have spent it in ways that honored Him.
Carrying the Longing Without Losing Her Joy
Many women carry the quiet desire for marriage across the years of their singleness. The longing may grow with time. Proverbs 13:12 speaks honestly about the pain of deferred hope. Still, the presence of longing does not cancel the presence of joy. The Lord receives both.
It is possible to feel the ache and still walk in gratitude. It is possible to pray with tears and still trust His wisdom. The single woman may grieve what has not come to pass, yet continue to believe that the Lord withholds nothing from His daughters that would have been good for them (Ps 84:11). He sees her. And He knows what her soul needs most.
Walking Wisely in Relationships
In an age where attention is cheap and affection is shallow, the single woman must be careful. Emotional ties can form easily—especially with men who are kind but not clear in their intentions. Without wisdom, she may be drawn into relationships that mimic commitment without ever becoming it.
Proverbs 4:23 calls her to guard her heart. She is not called to fear closeness, but to walk with discernment. It is better to walk slowly in truth than to rush into what feels right but bears no fruit. Her friendships must be guided by self-control, prayer, and a heart anchored in Scripture.
Bearing Fruit Even in the Hidden Years
Many acts of faithfulness in singleness are unseen. No one claps when she chooses prayer over distraction. Few notice when she gives her time to someone in need. But the Lord sees, and that is enough. These years are not preparation for life—they are life.
If those around her move on to marriage and parenthood, she may feel behind. Yet she is not behind. She is simply walking a different path, one that the Lord Himself has marked out for her. There is fruit along this road. And there is peace for those who walk it with Him.
Singleness is often mistaken for freedom from responsibility. For the woman who fears God, it is freedom for devotion. These years hold more than waiting—they hold the opportunity to walk closely with Christ and be shaped by His Word. If she spends this season with an open Bible, a prayerful heart, and a willingness to serve, she will lack no good thing. Her life, even now, may reflect the beauty of holiness.
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