By Dr. Patience Alonge
Delight thyself also in the LORD, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Psalms 37:4
Dearly Beloved, being single as a Believer in Christ Jesus, is not a sin, not a curse and is not dysfunctional. Neither does it make you less than human. You are practically loving and doing your heavenly Father’s business. Note in Colossians 2:10 that you are complete in Him – Yeshua Hamashiach: in Christ Jesus, you are complete. You are filled with Him! You are not half; you are full and whole in Him.
The Believer who knows her identity and is completely joyful in her singleness, will make a wonderful friend, colleague, neighbour, team member, collaborator, business partner, companion, and co-labourer in the vineyard. When you are delightfully loving God with all your heart, soul and mind, you will love your neighbour as you love yourself. Love for oneself in the Biblical context will make a loveable personality. See Matthew 22:37-40; Mark 12:30-31.
The Church can use single women (at whatever age group) with integrity, decency, loveable and thoughtful personalities, who willingly express the love of God which is shed abroad in their hearts by the Holy Ghost.
We can see Biblical and practical tips for faithful Kingdom service in Ruth 1:16-17. Lady Ruth followed Mama Naomi and joyfully served, caring lovingly for her with humility and kindness. It was her selfless service and commitment to the Lord God of Israel that was commended. Though marriage was not the focus of Lady Ruth and Sir Boaz, of course the story ended with Boaz coming into her life! Then it became Ruth and Boaz with Na
omi at the center of all the excitement and fulfilment of divine destiny!!
Some practical tips on how you can enjoy singleness –
- Continue to joyously worship, praise, dance and celebrate your liberty in Christ Jesus.
- Be prayerful.
- Allow God to mold your character and strengthen your commitment, so you can be used to mold the lives of other Believers.
- Keep yourself neat and tidy – be decent in how you present yourself both in words, actions, and attire.
- Know your position or identity in Christ Jesus and your divine purpose in the Kingdom of God, and pursue it.
- Keep your focus on the LORD.
- Keep your emotions in check.
- Do not wait for someone to make you happy. Make yourself happy under God. Take ‘you’ on a date. You will not go alone. “I am with you always,” says the LORD!
- Buy yourself a nice gift on your birthday and special occasions
- Do not be discouraged and do not give up hope on God who sees and knows all things. His divine plan for our lives is of peace and not of evil, to give us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
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Dr. Patience Bazuaye-Alonge, Professor of Microbiology and Molecular Biology (NCU)
Pastor and Co-Host of the ‘Voice of Evidence – the Midnight Cry’ on TBC Radio FM, 88.5, 88.7, 88.9. Contact: palongeg3@gmail.com