Together in Christ: 'A Special Gift from God' — 1 Corinthians 7:7-8

Friday, November 10, 2023

I wish everyone were single, just as I am. Yet each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another.
So I say to those who aren't married and to widows — it's better to stay unmarried, just as I am. But if they can't control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It's better to marry than to burn with lust.
— 1 Corinthians 7:7-8 NLT

Key Thought

Today's thoughts on relationships build on our focus yesterday. In our verse today, Paul taught about some people having "a special gift" of singleness, enabling them to serve God without distraction. [1] Like other spiritual gifts, we do not choose which gifts we receive, [2] God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — give them. [3] God now calls us to use our gifts to honor Him and bless His people. [4]

Paul acknowledges that the gift of being single and devoted to God serving Him in "holiness and honor" [5] may be too difficult for many people. [6] However, Jesus and Paul remind us that being married, faithful, and loving as we honor God with all that we are — heart, soul, mind, and strength  [7] — is not as easy as some singles believe. The goal, however, is honoring God and using our sexuality to glorify Him. [8]

Whatever your life situation, please seek the will and wisdom of God for how you can best serve Him. [9] Don't be led astray by worldly wisdom or practices, but offer yourself to God completely [10] as you live to serve Him and bless others.

[1] Matthew 19:8-12; 1 Corinthians 7:32-35.
[2] 1 Corinthians 12:4-11.
[3] Romans 12:8; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; Ephesians 4:7, 11; 1 Peter 4:10-1 Peter 4:10.
[4] 1 Corinthians 12:7; 1 Peter 4:10-11.
[5] 1 Thessalonians 4:3.
[6] Matthew 19:9-12.
[7] Matthew 22:36-40.
[8] 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; 1 Thessalonians 4:4.
[9] James 1:2-5.
[10] Romans 12:1-2.

Today's Prayer

O, holy Father, the Lord Almighty and YHWH Yireh, * please provide each of us holy wisdom to discern Your call for our lives and the courage to live for You with holy boldness and a heart that longs to serve our brothers and sisters in Christ. Help us to know the spiritual gifts you have given us, then use those gifts to reach the lost, bless others, and glorify You. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

* Sometimes said Jehovah Jireh" as the name for God, "The Lord Who Will Provide." God can provide us with all we need so that we can glorify Him and bless others in any situation — 2Corinthians 9:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; 2 Timothy 2:11.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 19:1-12
  • 1 Corinthians 7:25-38

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Illustration

Illustration of 1 Corinthians 7:7-8 NLT — I wish everyone were single, just as I am. Yet each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another.So I say to those who aren't married and to widows — it's better to stay unmarried, just as I am. But if they can't control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It's better to marry than to burn with lust.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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