Together in Christ: 'A Special Gift from God' — 1 Corinthians 7:7-9

Monday, November 10, 2025

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.

Key Thought

Today's thoughts on relationships build on our focus yesterday. In our verses 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 - gives them. [3] God now calls us to use our gifts to honor Him and bless His people. [4]

Paul acknowledged 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.

Today's Prayer

O holy Father, the Lord Almighty and YHWH Yireh, [A] please provide each of us with holy wisdom to discern Your call for our lives and 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, and help us use those gifts to reach the lost, bless others, and glorify You. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

[A] Sometimes said as Jehovah Jireh as a name for God, meaning "The Lord 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; Ephesians 2:10, 3:20-21; Philippians 4:1210-18, 19.

Related Scripture Readings

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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Illustration

Illustration of 1 Corinthians 7:7-9 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.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, November 10, 2025

A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
"The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison..."
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
"But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
"Obedience is the fruit of faith; patience, the bloom on the fruit."
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
"Dear Father, grower of spiritual fruit, Let the fruit of the Spirit blossom, mature, and ripen in my life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,..."

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.