1 Corinthians 7:7-9, Every Man Hath His Proper Gift of God

1 Corinthians 7:7-9 For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

For the Apostle Paul, God has given him the gift of singlehood whereby his focus was the ministry God entrusted to him as an apostle to the Gentiles. He explained that not everyone is called to the same state of celibacy.

Calvin said well, “if it can be done, if there is ability; but where the infirmity of the flesh does not allow of that liberty, he expressly enjoins marriage as a thing that is not in the least doubtful. For this is said by way of commandment, that no one may look upon it as mere advice. Nor is it merely fornicators that he restrains, but those also who are defiled in the sight of God by inward lust; and assuredly he that cannot contain tempts God, if he neglects the remedy of marriage. This matter requires — not advice, but strict prohibition.”

Hence, for the unmarried and widows if God gives them the strength to remain single, they may continue as they are. However, if their remaining in an unmarried state cause them to fall into sin for lack of self-control, then he request that they pray that God would bestow them a companion through marriage. God has a perfect plan for His children. They can rest assured in His guidance for their lives. Amen.