The discussion pertaining to Apostle Paul on marriage and celibacy has remained a huge topic, particularly in these modern times. Would you say marriage is better than celibacy or vice versa?
In his response to Corinthians in their letter to him, Paul goes a long way to put across his opinion on marriage and celibacy.
The story of Paul on marriage and celibacy begins by his encounter with Jesus Christ that changed him from Saul to Paul. This became a testimony that no one is beyond redemption and the saving grace of the Lord.
It is through his change and devotion to the advancement of God’s kingdom that he later met the Corinthians and addressed the marriage subject.
Paul On Marriage – Is Being Single Better Than Being Married?
In 1 Corinthians 7:8-9, Paul, in his response to Corinthians in their letter to him says:
“But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: it is good for them if they remain even as I am; but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”
In other words, Paul was meaning that if you’re single and aren’t sure of having a clear calling to serving God in a celibate lifestyle, then you should explore the option of marriage when the time is right. Being married will cushion you against immorality and keep your focus on serving God through the support of a loving family.
Church As The Bride Of Christ
Through the bible, you will notice that Jesus uses the analogy of marriage to explain your relationship with God. The church, which is a community of believers in which you belong, is depicted as the Bride of Christ.
Apostle Paul also compares the sacrificial responsibility of spouses in a marriage to Christ’s sacrificial love for the church in which you are part of.
In the same way that Christ has loved the church, as an individual member, you need to reciprocate His unconditional love back to Him. By Paul’s analogy, we can say that as much as he chose to be single, he didn’t consider marriage to be a bad union.
Would You Choose Getting Married or Staying Single?
Paul, while in Corinth, goes ahead to set the record straight. He acknowledges that celibacy is good and that it can help you to fully focus your attention on serving God.
However, he goes ahead to state that “each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.” This meant that, through your God-given path, you can still be able to serve God faithfully.
The book of Corinthians quotes that you should do everything in love. Therefore, this means that whatever option you choose, be it marriage or celibacy, your choice should be done out of love for God. By doing so, you will be able to wholeheartedly serve God, be happy, and live a fulfilled life.
Conclusively, living a decent and dedicated life to God is fully possible, whether you choose to get married or to stay single, just like the option of Paul on marriage.
Marrying and staying celibate are both valid ways of living a life dedicated to God. Through either of the options, you will still ably advance the Kingdom Of God to many nations all to the glory of His name.
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