Singleness and dating are some of the highest-volume search topics in Christian forums, and scripture's posture is unexpectedly honoring of singleness. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 that the single person can be devoted to the Lord in a way the married person cannot — not because marriage is lesser, but because singleness has its own undistracted gift.
On dating, scripture is clearer in principle than in detail. 2 Corinthians 6:14 — "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers" — is the most-cited verse about choosing a partner. The principle isn't snobbery; it's that the deepest agreements in a marriage form around what each person worships, and that mismatch erodes the relationship over years.
Psalm 37:4 — "Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart" — is often misread as a transactional formula. The fuller reading is that as you delight in God, the very desires of your heart get reshaped toward what is good for you.
Practical wisdom: don't outsource your wholeness to a future spouse. Don't ignore character for chemistry. Listen to the friends who know you. Pray honestly about whether you're rushing or stalling. And if singleness is your portion for now — or forever — Philippians 4:11-13 promises contentment in any circumstance "through Christ which strengtheneth me." See also marriage, patience, and trust.
Verses
1 Corinthians 7:32-35
But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.
Psalms 37:4
Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
2 Corinthians 6:14
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
Genesis 2:18
And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.
Philippians 4:11-13
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Reflection
If marriage is what God has for you next, what would it look like to become — now — the person your future spouse needs?
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