By Ruth Yong Wang Theen
It is easy to trust God’s plan when life makes sense. But what about when it doesn’t? What about when years pass, and the longings of our hearts remain unfulfilled? This is a very real struggle faced by many single Christians today in their struggle to find a life partner.
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12, NLT). In those moments, we must hold onto the truth that God’s timing is perfect.
God is all we need to be complete
God is not withholding love from us; He is leading us into the fullness of His plan. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). Trusting Him means surrendering our timeline and believing that He is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28, NIV).
The truths of Scripture, when seen in the light of His love, is both comforting and assuring for those among us who are single by choice or circumstance.
6 ways to support single believers
However, the reality is that the world, and even the Church at times, places romantic relationships and marriage on a pedestal. The truth is that singleness too can be a fulfilment of God’s call upon our lives. For some, it may be just for a season and for others, a lifetime call.
What are some ways the Church and Christian community can provide a more supportive environment for single believers today? Here are 7 practical and easy ways to get started:
Affirm them in their singleness
Let singles know they are valued, not because of their relationship status, but because of who they are in Christ. Some ways to do so include words of encouragement, handwritten notes or small gifts, celebrating their achievements, ministry work, and personal growth; and encouraging them in their discipleship journey.
Support singles ministry work
From hosting events that foster community and spiritual growth beyond matchmaking, churches can also provide mentorship programmes where older singles can guide younger ones.
Discover what singles need from the church
Create anonymous surveys to assess the needs of single congregants and include topics relevant to their season such as financial stewardship, emotional health, and purpose in ministry. Preach sermons that affirm singleness as a God-ordained season.
Avoid matchmaking unless both sides are open
Encourage relationships naturally, without pressuring singles to find a spouse. Shift the focus from “finding the one” to “becoming the one God has called you to be.”
Learn to pray for the wholeness of singles
Pray not just for their future relationships but for their contentment, purpose, and walk with Christ. Just as we pray for strong marriages and families in church, we must pray too for strong singles.
Be mindful of the questions you ask
Instead of asking, “Why are you still single?” ask, “What has God been teaching you in this season?” Helping singles reframe their perspectives and rid themselves of unhealthy, inaccurate principles will guide them towards living the life God has called them to.
Living fully now means embracing an abundant life in every season God gives us
Singleness is not a waiting period—it is a life to be lived fully. How are you making the most of your season? Are you spending time with God, developing your gifts, and serving where you are called? “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:33, NLT).
Whether single or married, God never calls us to a season of insignificance, lack or wasted time. Singleness is not a season of lack, but of completeness found in Jesus Christ.
