Being single and remaining true to our Christian faith is no easy task in this day and age. We’re constantly bombarded with messages that we need to get married to be happy. Much of what we see is geared toward couples rather than singles, so it’s no wonder many single people are lonely. But staying rooted in the Word of God keeps the single Christian strong until He sends that special soul mate, best friend, and lifelong partner.

The world can play tricks on the minds of single people, sending subtle messages that say they must have a husband or wife to “complete” them. But Jesus, our perfect role model, was single. He didn’t let His marital status stop Him from enjoying life during His earthly ministry. Jesus carried the fruit of the Spirit with Him everywhere He went, and peace and joy were two important components of that spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22).

Single Christians have the unique ability to focus on God and His plan for their life without being distracted by a spouse. In today’s world, singles can feel like outsiders looking in, but the world’s standards are backward. The apostle Paul had some wise advice on a godly lifestyle. “I want you to live as free of complications as possible. When you’re unmarried, you’re free to concentrate on simply pleasing the Master. Marriage involves you in all the nuts and bolts of domestic life and in wanting to please your spouse, leading to so many more demands on your attention. The time and energy that married people spend on caring for and nurturing each other, the unmarried can spend in becoming whole and holy instruments of God. I’m trying to be helpful and make it as easy as possible for you, not make things harder. All I want is for you to be able to develop a way of life in which you can spend plenty of time together with the Master without a lot of distractions” (1 Corinthians 7:32-35, MSG).

Getting past the world’s mixed messages aimed at making singles feel bad about themselves is a huge step in the right direction. More importantly, learning to love ourselves the way God loves us leads to higher self-esteem and a greater sense of self-respect. “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them” (Psalm 139:14-16). We’re created in God’s own image!

There’s nothing wrong with being single, although the world delivers a different message. God knows what’s on our mind and in our heart, and we can be assured that He didn’t create human beings to live all alone. When we make our prayerful request for Him to intervene and send the person He has chosen for us, He’ll honor the request. “For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew