WEBVTT 00:00:15.760 --> 00:00:18.820 Hey everyone, my name is Austin and welcome back 00:00:18.820 --> 00:00:21.120 to another episode of the Unfiltered Faith Podcast. 00:00:21.460 --> 00:00:23.679 If this is your first time tuning in, I'm so 00:00:23.679 --> 00:00:25.699 glad you're here, and if you've been here before, 00:00:25.960 --> 00:00:28.640 welcome back. Whether you're single and loving 00:00:28.640 --> 00:00:31.000 it, struggling with it, or somewhere in between, 00:00:31.539 --> 00:00:33.880 today's conversation is for you. We'll be exploring 00:00:33.880 --> 00:00:36.619 what the Bible says about singleness, some practical 00:00:36.619 --> 00:00:39.439 advice, real life examples, and encouragement 00:00:39.439 --> 00:00:42.640 for whatever season you're in. So if you like 00:00:42.640 --> 00:00:45.100 to take notes, I encourage you. And while you're 00:00:45.100 --> 00:00:47.020 at it, have your Bibles out, because we're going 00:00:47.020 --> 00:00:49.159 to be looking through several passages of scripture 00:00:49.159 --> 00:00:51.140 that will help us with our discussion today. 00:00:53.899 --> 00:00:56.119 So for the last couple of weeks, I sat down with 00:00:56.119 --> 00:00:58.399 two couples from different perspectives of marriage, 00:00:58.719 --> 00:01:01.219 one being divorced and the other newlyweds, answering 00:01:01.219 --> 00:01:04.000 the question, why is marriage so romanticized? 00:01:04.319 --> 00:01:06.560 And if you haven't already, please be sure to 00:01:06.560 --> 00:01:08.700 check those episodes out. I'll be sure to link 00:01:08.700 --> 00:01:11.040 both of those episodes in the description below. 00:01:12.400 --> 00:01:15.000 to both of these couples gave me a really good 00:01:15.000 --> 00:01:17.299 idea to talk about singleness. So shout out to 00:01:17.299 --> 00:01:19.959 them. So how do you view your single life right 00:01:19.959 --> 00:01:22.560 now? Do you see your singleness as a curse or 00:01:22.560 --> 00:01:25.379 a gift? Do you view your singleness as a season 00:01:25.379 --> 00:01:27.659 in your life to pass through as quickly as possible? 00:01:28.060 --> 00:01:30.060 Or do you view your singleness as a season to 00:01:30.060 --> 00:01:33.659 lean into and embrace? Do you view your singleness 00:01:33.659 --> 00:01:38.040 as a relational desert or a relational oasis? 00:01:38.659 --> 00:01:41.180 Do you view singleness as a waiting room or an 00:01:41.180 --> 00:01:43.950 opportunity? I want you to pause the podcast 00:01:43.950 --> 00:01:46.090 and take some time for yourself to reflect on 00:01:46.090 --> 00:01:49.750 these questions. Hey, welcome back. I hope you 00:01:49.750 --> 00:01:51.670 took a few moments to sit with those questions. 00:01:52.010 --> 00:01:54.569 Really sit with them, because how we frame our 00:01:54.569 --> 00:01:56.909 singleness has everything to do with how we walk 00:01:56.909 --> 00:02:00.209 through it. First, let's knock down one of the 00:02:00.209 --> 00:02:03.109 biggest lies. Singleness is not God's consolation 00:02:03.109 --> 00:02:06.609 prize. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 7, 7 through 00:02:06.609 --> 00:02:09.949 8, I wish that all of you were as I am. but each 00:02:09.949 --> 00:02:13.229 of you has your own gift from God. One has this 00:02:13.229 --> 00:02:16.430 gift, another has that. Now to the unmarried, 00:02:16.669 --> 00:02:18.909 and to the widowed I say, it is good for them 00:02:18.909 --> 00:02:22.030 to stay unmarried as I do. Did you catch that? 00:02:22.430 --> 00:02:24.789 Paul doesn't call marriage the better gift, just 00:02:24.789 --> 00:02:28.090 a different gift. Marriage has its blessings 00:02:28.090 --> 00:02:31.430 and its challenges. Likewise, singleness has 00:02:31.430 --> 00:02:34.310 its blessings and challenges. Neither is superior. 00:02:34.669 --> 00:02:37.289 Both are opportunities to glorify God. Y 'all, 00:02:37.289 --> 00:02:39.189 I've heard from so many married couples that 00:02:39.189 --> 00:02:41.830 marriage is hard. I'm gonna take a chapter out 00:02:41.830 --> 00:02:44.389 of the book of Cole real quick. Marriage is hard, 00:02:44.629 --> 00:02:47.330 divorce is hard, so choose your hard. Do you 00:02:47.330 --> 00:02:49.530 have enough self -control to put your needs aside 00:02:49.530 --> 00:02:52.389 to take care of the person that you vow to? When 00:02:52.389 --> 00:02:54.490 following Jesus, there's this idea of dying to 00:02:54.490 --> 00:02:56.750 yourself daily, and the same principle applies 00:02:56.750 --> 00:02:59.310 to marriage. People think that marriage is one 00:02:59.310 --> 00:03:01.530 big slumber party, or someone to always hang 00:03:01.530 --> 00:03:03.909 out with. But I think marriage is so much more 00:03:03.909 --> 00:03:06.789 than that. I'm not married, I've never been married, 00:03:07.050 --> 00:03:08.930 and married couples can probably back me up on 00:03:08.930 --> 00:03:11.490 this when I say this, but marriage is like a 00:03:11.490 --> 00:03:14.069 ministry. It's not about being served, it's about 00:03:14.069 --> 00:03:16.389 serving. It's not about happiness, it's about 00:03:16.389 --> 00:03:19.849 holiness. People enter marriage and relationships 00:03:19.849 --> 00:03:22.569 looking for love, but I think God uses marriage 00:03:22.569 --> 00:03:25.810 to perfect our love. I think it's about becoming 00:03:25.810 --> 00:03:27.990 the right person, not about finding the right 00:03:27.990 --> 00:03:30.849 person. Here are some more lies people may have 00:03:30.849 --> 00:03:34.629 told you about singleness. Number one. Only half 00:03:34.629 --> 00:03:37.550 a person is living half a life. You constantly 00:03:37.550 --> 00:03:39.710 hear couples talking about their better half, 00:03:40.090 --> 00:03:42.530 and that's great, but that kind of implies that 00:03:42.530 --> 00:03:44.949 you are incomplete and you need someone to complete 00:03:44.949 --> 00:03:48.110 you. The reality is, you only need Jesus to make 00:03:48.110 --> 00:03:51.069 you whole. Number two, you're missing out on 00:03:51.069 --> 00:03:54.250 an abundance of life. Let's face it, when you 00:03:54.250 --> 00:03:56.770 hear those well -meaning friends in a relationship 00:03:56.770 --> 00:03:59.479 say, you're missing out, What they really mean 00:03:59.479 --> 00:04:02.080 is that they believe a romantic partner unlocks 00:04:02.080 --> 00:04:05.759 doors to experiences that are otherwise inaccessible. 00:04:06.139 --> 00:04:09.020 They found their companion in the chaos of life. 00:04:09.300 --> 00:04:11.400 And in their eyes, that's the ultimate prize. 00:04:11.919 --> 00:04:15.379 But is that true? Are single people missing out 00:04:15.379 --> 00:04:18.339 on something grand? Let's dissect this even further. 00:04:18.800 --> 00:04:21.360 First, let's acknowledge the happiness that comes 00:04:21.360 --> 00:04:24.360 from companionship. Yes, relationships can be 00:04:24.360 --> 00:04:27.220 beautiful. They can provide emotional support. 00:04:27.420 --> 00:04:30.279 Intimacy, and a sense of belonging. But to equate 00:04:30.279 --> 00:04:32.680 that with a lack of abundance and life for singles 00:04:32.680 --> 00:04:36.339 is a misguided notion. People in relationships 00:04:36.339 --> 00:04:38.939 often forget that abundance isn't exclusively 00:04:38.939 --> 00:04:42.399 found in romantic partnership. Think about it. 00:04:42.699 --> 00:04:45.160 Friendships, family bonds, and community ties 00:04:45.160 --> 00:04:49.199 offer the rich tapestry of experiences. And here's 00:04:49.199 --> 00:04:51.240 the kicker. Being single doesn't mean you're 00:04:51.240 --> 00:04:53.360 alone. It means you're choosing to cultivate 00:04:53.360 --> 00:04:56.019 your life on your terms. You're free to discover 00:04:56.019 --> 00:04:58.480 who you are, what you love, and what you want 00:04:58.480 --> 00:05:01.519 without the compromises that often come with 00:05:01.519 --> 00:05:04.160 romantic involvement. That's not missing out. 00:05:04.240 --> 00:05:06.860 That's living fully. Have you ever noticed how 00:05:06.860 --> 00:05:09.620 many single people are out there trying new things, 00:05:10.060 --> 00:05:13.259 joining clubs, exploring new hobbies, or even 00:05:13.259 --> 00:05:16.480 diving into the careers? They're not waiting 00:05:16.480 --> 00:05:18.519 for someone else to validate their experiences. 00:05:18.980 --> 00:05:22.079 They're creating them. Number three, I'll be 00:05:22.079 --> 00:05:24.569 alone forever. I'll always be alone without a 00:05:24.569 --> 00:05:27.589 partner. I hate to break it to you. I hate to 00:05:27.589 --> 00:05:29.629 break it to you. But if you have this mindset, 00:05:29.750 --> 00:05:32.810 it'll probably be true. And what I mean by that 00:05:32.810 --> 00:05:35.370 is your mind moves in the direction of your strongest 00:05:35.370 --> 00:05:38.389 thoughts. Number four, you'll always live an 00:05:38.389 --> 00:05:41.410 unfulfilled life without sex. When I was preparing 00:05:41.410 --> 00:05:44.029 for this episode and I came across that, I didn't 00:05:44.029 --> 00:05:47.589 even know where to begin with that and list all 00:05:47.589 --> 00:05:49.790 the things wrong with that statement. So here 00:05:49.790 --> 00:05:51.449 are my thoughts on that and I'll try to keep 00:05:51.449 --> 00:05:54.060 this brief. First of all, if you only want to 00:05:54.060 --> 00:05:56.620 be in a relationship because of sex, then you're 00:05:56.620 --> 00:05:58.980 getting into a relationship for all the wrong 00:05:58.980 --> 00:06:02.660 reasons. Number 5. Singleness is a curse. If 00:06:02.660 --> 00:06:04.920 you believe singleness is a curse, you'll carry 00:06:04.920 --> 00:06:07.519 it like a burden. If you believe singleness is 00:06:07.519 --> 00:06:10.459 a gift, you'll steward it with gratitude and 00:06:10.459 --> 00:06:13.740 intention. Singleness is not a lesser season. 00:06:14.180 --> 00:06:17.300 It's not Plan B. It's not God forgetting about 00:06:17.300 --> 00:06:20.000 you, overlooking you, or putting you on the back 00:06:20.000 --> 00:06:22.879 burner. It is a season full of purpose, a time 00:06:22.879 --> 00:06:25.899 of becoming, of healing, of discovering who you 00:06:25.899 --> 00:06:29.000 are in God without distraction. What you believe 00:06:29.000 --> 00:06:31.459 about singleness determines how you live it. 00:06:32.060 --> 00:06:34.480 Singleness is described as a gift, not a burden. 00:06:34.879 --> 00:06:37.480 But let's be honest, right? Sometimes it doesn't 00:06:37.480 --> 00:06:40.519 feel like a gift, especially when you're attending 00:06:40.519 --> 00:06:43.620 weddings every other weekend, scrolling through 00:06:43.620 --> 00:06:46.379 engagement photos, or hearing family members 00:06:46.379 --> 00:06:50.199 ask, so when are you getting married? Paul isn't 00:06:50.199 --> 00:06:53.000 dismissing the longing for companionship. He's 00:06:53.000 --> 00:06:56.120 just highlighting that singleness offers unique 00:06:56.120 --> 00:06:59.560 opportunities to serve God wholeheartedly. Could 00:06:59.560 --> 00:07:02.060 it be that singleness right now is God's invitation 00:07:02.060 --> 00:07:04.920 to a deeper, undistracted relationship with Him? 00:07:05.480 --> 00:07:07.899 What would change if you started seeing singleness 00:07:07.899 --> 00:07:10.500 not as a waiting room, but as an act of calling 00:07:10.500 --> 00:07:13.800 for a season? I want to make this clear that 00:07:13.800 --> 00:07:16.699 loneliness and being alone are not the same thing. 00:07:17.180 --> 00:07:20.029 Loneliness is a feeling. a painful awareness 00:07:20.029 --> 00:07:22.550 of disconnection, even when people are around. 00:07:23.009 --> 00:07:25.509 Being alone, however, is simply a physical state, 00:07:25.910 --> 00:07:28.350 and it can actually be a gift. Jesus often chose 00:07:28.350 --> 00:07:30.730 to be alone to pray, recharge, and reconnect 00:07:30.730 --> 00:07:33.370 with the Father. Being alone can be a sacred 00:07:33.370 --> 00:07:36.250 space where we hear God's voice more clearly, 00:07:36.810 --> 00:07:39.149 grow in self -awareness, and find deep peace. 00:07:39.829 --> 00:07:42.089 Loneliness may call for community, but healthy 00:07:42.089 --> 00:07:44.810 solitude invites us into intimacy with God. Let's 00:07:44.810 --> 00:07:47.170 be honest, even when you know singleness is a 00:07:47.170 --> 00:07:49.620 gift, It can still feel really lonely sometimes, 00:07:50.139 --> 00:07:53.519 but loneliness doesn't mean you're unloved. Loneliness 00:07:53.519 --> 00:07:56.339 doesn't mean you're broken. Even Jesus in his 00:07:56.339 --> 00:07:59.379 singleness experienced loneliness. Hebrews 4 00:07:59.379 --> 00:08:02.980 .15 reminds us, for we do not have a high priest 00:08:02.980 --> 00:08:06.180 who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses. 00:08:06.899 --> 00:08:10.120 Jesus understands. He gets it. Not from a distance, 00:08:10.259 --> 00:08:14.160 but from personal experience. You can be surrounded 00:08:14.160 --> 00:08:17.139 by people and still feel lonely. You can be married 00:08:17.139 --> 00:08:20.439 and still feel deeply alone. Here are some practical 00:08:20.439 --> 00:08:23.579 tips to combat loneliness. First of all, bring 00:08:23.579 --> 00:08:26.500 your loneliness to God in prayer. Not just your 00:08:26.500 --> 00:08:30.040 polished prayers, but your raw ones. Number two, 00:08:30.240 --> 00:08:33.100 stay connected with community. Find life -giving 00:08:33.100 --> 00:08:36.360 friendships that don't just revolve around marital 00:08:36.360 --> 00:08:39.659 status. Number three, serve others. Sometimes 00:08:39.659 --> 00:08:42.360 the cure for loneliness is to get outside yourself 00:08:42.360 --> 00:08:44.539 and meet others. We need to create a culture 00:08:44.539 --> 00:08:47.039 of pursuing. A mindset where singleness isn't 00:08:47.039 --> 00:08:49.539 seen as a holding pattern or second best season, 00:08:49.840 --> 00:08:52.220 but as a powerful launching pad into everything 00:08:52.220 --> 00:08:55.559 God has called us to be. Too often, singleness 00:08:55.559 --> 00:08:58.960 gets treated like a waiting room, where people 00:08:58.960 --> 00:09:02.480 sit around, hoping life will really begin once 00:09:02.480 --> 00:09:05.179 they meet the one. But that's not God's design. 00:09:05.840 --> 00:09:08.620 This is a season meant for movement, for growth, 00:09:08.919 --> 00:09:11.779 for building. It's time to pursue deep intimacy 00:09:11.779 --> 00:09:15.269 with God. Discover... and live out our purpose. 00:09:15.769 --> 00:09:19.269 Cultivate meaningful relationships and solidify 00:09:19.269 --> 00:09:22.250 the values that will anchor our lives. When we 00:09:22.250 --> 00:09:25.070 stop seeing singleness as a pause and start seeing 00:09:25.070 --> 00:09:28.590 it as a platform, we step into the fullness of 00:09:28.590 --> 00:09:31.230 who we're meant to be, not later, but right now. 00:09:31.669 --> 00:09:34.490 First, we need to pursue intimacy, not just with 00:09:34.490 --> 00:09:38.210 people, but with God first. Psalm 73, 28 says, 00:09:38.549 --> 00:09:41.929 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have 00:09:41.929 --> 00:09:44.669 made the sovereign Lord my refuge. When you're 00:09:44.669 --> 00:09:48.009 single, you have the unique gift, time, and emotional 00:09:48.009 --> 00:09:50.590 energy to build deep intimacy with the one who 00:09:50.590 --> 00:09:53.330 made you. Your relationship with God now will 00:09:53.330 --> 00:09:56.350 shape every relationship you have later. Cultivate 00:09:56.350 --> 00:10:00.309 closeness with Jesus. Being single should enrich 00:10:00.309 --> 00:10:03.370 your time with Jesus. Second, we should pursue 00:10:03.370 --> 00:10:06.070 purpose. Your calling isn't on hold because you're 00:10:06.070 --> 00:10:09.139 single. Ephesians 2 10 said, so we can do the 00:10:09.139 --> 00:10:11.879 good things he planned for us long ago. Your 00:10:11.879 --> 00:10:14.639 gifts, your dreams, they're meant for today. 00:10:15.360 --> 00:10:18.639 Serve, build, create. You don't need a plus one 00:10:18.639 --> 00:10:21.220 to pursue the mission God has put on your heart. 00:10:21.779 --> 00:10:25.580 Make the most of every opportunity to serve and 00:10:25.580 --> 00:10:28.840 to bless others. What opportunities has God given 00:10:28.840 --> 00:10:31.679 you in the season of singleness? And third, pursue 00:10:31.679 --> 00:10:35.230 relationships. notice I didn't say pursue dating 00:10:35.230 --> 00:10:39.210 I said pursue relationships friendships mentorships 00:10:39.210 --> 00:10:43.950 community Proverbs 27 17 says as iron sharpens 00:10:43.950 --> 00:10:47.950 iron so one sharp person sharpens another build 00:10:47.950 --> 00:10:51.330 strong friendships now practice loyalty forgiveness 00:10:51.330 --> 00:10:54.649 and encouragement healthy community now lays 00:10:54.649 --> 00:10:57.429 the foundation for a healthy marriage later if 00:10:57.429 --> 00:11:00.129 that's part of your journey it says in Genesis 00:11:00.129 --> 00:11:02.799 that it is not good for man to be alone We are 00:11:02.799 --> 00:11:05.879 designed for relationships. But I think people, 00:11:05.879 --> 00:11:08.340 myself included, get it twisted when they see 00:11:08.340 --> 00:11:10.899 the word relationship, and their minds immediately 00:11:10.899 --> 00:11:13.580 think of romance. But the truth is, there's more 00:11:13.580 --> 00:11:16.659 than one type of relationship. Other than romantic, 00:11:16.960 --> 00:11:20.419 a relationship can also mean platonic, family, 00:11:20.740 --> 00:11:23.659 work, or teacher -student. And there's probably 00:11:23.659 --> 00:11:25.779 more, but that's a good list to get us started. 00:11:26.460 --> 00:11:28.659 Start developing deep, meaningful friendships 00:11:28.659 --> 00:11:32.509 now. Practice hospitality, initiate, and be intentional. 00:11:33.330 --> 00:11:36.169 Invite people into existing friendships. A desire 00:11:36.169 --> 00:11:38.669 to be married isn't bad, but if we complain, 00:11:38.929 --> 00:11:41.470 we will miss opportunities given with being single. 00:11:42.110 --> 00:11:45.009 Fourth, pursue values. Know what you believe, 00:11:45.509 --> 00:11:48.169 know what matters to you, and live it. Matthew 00:11:48.169 --> 00:11:51.210 6 .33 says, but seek first the kingdom of God 00:11:51.210 --> 00:11:53.429 and His righteousness, and all these things will 00:11:53.429 --> 00:11:56.029 be added to you. Don't compromise your values 00:11:56.029 --> 00:11:58.980 while you wait. Don't mute your convictions to 00:11:58.980 --> 00:12:01.679 fit into someone else's story. Pursue the life 00:12:01.679 --> 00:12:05.100 God has called you to. Fully. Courageously and 00:12:05.100 --> 00:12:08.279 without apology. Set the values you want to live 00:12:08.279 --> 00:12:10.740 throughout your life. Figure out your values 00:12:10.740 --> 00:12:13.320 you want to live by, or you will compromise more 00:12:13.320 --> 00:12:15.240 than you want. There's purpose in the present. 00:12:15.539 --> 00:12:17.639 You are called now. One of the biggest dangers 00:12:17.639 --> 00:12:20.259 in singleness is thinking, when I get married, 00:12:20.600 --> 00:12:23.700 then I'll live fully. Then I'll be mature. Then 00:12:23.700 --> 00:12:26.610 I'll pursue ministry. then I'll settle down and 00:12:26.610 --> 00:12:29.990 be serious about life. No, God is calling you 00:12:29.990 --> 00:12:34.529 now. Ephesians 2 10 says, for we are God's handiwork, 00:12:34.809 --> 00:12:37.610 creating Christ Jesus to do good works, which 00:12:37.610 --> 00:12:40.870 God prepared in advance for us to do. Notice 00:12:40.870 --> 00:12:43.409 it didn't say after marriage or once you have 00:12:43.409 --> 00:12:45.389 it all together. What passions has God put in 00:12:45.389 --> 00:12:47.919 your heart right now? What ministry opportunities 00:12:47.919 --> 00:12:50.559 are you free to say yes to that you might not 00:12:50.559 --> 00:12:52.759 have later? If you're single for any amount of 00:12:52.759 --> 00:12:54.620 time, you know the pressure is real. When are 00:12:54.620 --> 00:12:56.940 you going to settle down? You're not getting 00:12:56.940 --> 00:13:00.179 any younger. You're too picky. People often mean 00:13:00.179 --> 00:13:02.019 well, but sometimes they don't realize the weight 00:13:02.019 --> 00:13:05.840 of their words. Proverbs 18 -21 reminds us, the 00:13:05.840 --> 00:13:08.460 tongue has the power of life and death. Words 00:13:08.460 --> 00:13:10.980 shape us. So here's your permission. You don't 00:13:10.980 --> 00:13:13.340 have to explain your singleness. You don't have 00:13:13.340 --> 00:13:16.289 to justify it. You are not a problem to solve. 00:13:16.929 --> 00:13:20.610 Here's some practical advice for responding gracefully. 00:13:21.389 --> 00:13:24.549 Smile. Think them and change the subject. Practice 00:13:24.549 --> 00:13:27.350 a few polite responses ahead of time so you're 00:13:27.350 --> 00:13:30.269 not caught off guard. Pray for grace, not just 00:13:30.269 --> 00:13:33.370 for you, but also for them. We live in a comparison 00:13:33.370 --> 00:13:35.889 culture world. Scrolling Instagram and seeing 00:13:35.889 --> 00:13:38.610 engagement photos, receiving save the dates after 00:13:38.610 --> 00:13:41.190 save the date. It's easy to feel left behind, 00:13:41.370 --> 00:13:44.519 but listen. God doesn't operate on human timelines. 00:13:45.399 --> 00:13:48.379 Ecclesiastes 3 .1 says, There is a time and place 00:13:48.379 --> 00:13:51.019 for everything, and a season for every activity 00:13:51.019 --> 00:13:54.299 under the sun. Your timeline not look like your 00:13:54.299 --> 00:13:57.539 best friends. Your blessings might bloom in a 00:13:57.539 --> 00:14:00.500 different season, and that's okay. If you desire 00:14:00.500 --> 00:14:03.440 marriage, it's okay to hope. It's not wrong to 00:14:03.440 --> 00:14:05.960 desire marriage. It's not less spiritual to long 00:14:05.960 --> 00:14:09.320 for companionship. The danger comes when it becomes 00:14:09.320 --> 00:14:12.110 an idol. When marriage becomes the thing we think 00:14:12.110 --> 00:14:18.169 we must have to be happy. Psalm 37 -4 says, take 00:14:18.169 --> 00:14:20.669 delight in the Lord, and he will give you the 00:14:20.669 --> 00:14:23.250 desires of your heart. Notice it doesn't say 00:14:23.250 --> 00:14:26.370 God is a vending machine. It says first, delight 00:14:26.370 --> 00:14:29.830 yourself in him. Then watch how your heart changes 00:14:29.830 --> 00:14:33.669 and aligns with his best. Thriving in singleness 00:14:33.669 --> 00:14:36.070 doesn't always look like what the world expects. 00:14:36.450 --> 00:14:38.809 It's not about pretending you don't care about 00:14:38.809 --> 00:14:41.529 relationships. It's not about acting tough or 00:14:41.529 --> 00:14:44.070 being too busy. It's about walking in freedom, 00:14:44.370 --> 00:14:47.549 purpose, and joy right where you are. There will 00:14:47.549 --> 00:14:50.509 be hard days. Let's be honest about that. The 00:14:50.509 --> 00:14:52.990 wedding invitations, the holiday dinners, the 00:14:52.990 --> 00:14:54.990 moments you wish someone was there to share it 00:14:54.990 --> 00:14:58.490 with. Jesus understands loneliness. Matthew 26 00:14:58.730 --> 00:15:02.330 38 says my soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to 00:15:02.330 --> 00:15:04.809 the point of death. He said to his disciples 00:15:04.809 --> 00:15:08.870 He was abandoned misunderstood betrayed you were 00:15:08.870 --> 00:15:11.470 not alone in your loneliness. You were not forgotten 00:15:11.470 --> 00:15:13.590 in your waiting So what if I never get married? 00:15:14.289 --> 00:15:17.409 This is a tough question and the truth is marriage 00:15:17.409 --> 00:15:20.169 isn't guaranteed then the Bible never promises 00:15:20.169 --> 00:15:23.490 it But our hope isn't a change of status. It's 00:15:23.490 --> 00:15:26.350 in the unchanging love of God Romans chapter 00:15:26.350 --> 00:15:29.529 8 verses 38 and 39 says, Convince that neither 00:15:29.529 --> 00:15:32.570 death nor life, neither angel nor demon, nor 00:15:32.570 --> 00:15:34.990 anything else in all creation will be able to 00:15:34.990 --> 00:15:37.730 separate us from the love of God that is in Christ 00:15:37.730 --> 00:15:40.610 Jesus our Lord. You may not know how your story 00:15:40.610 --> 00:15:44.029 ends, but you can know who is writing it. When 00:15:44.029 --> 00:15:47.129 we look through scripture, we see so many powerful 00:15:47.129 --> 00:15:49.629 examples of people who lived full purposeful, 00:15:49.710 --> 00:15:52.149 driven lives without marriage. First of all, 00:15:52.309 --> 00:15:54.610 Jesus, the ultimate example of wholeness, love, 00:15:54.629 --> 00:15:57.250 and mission. Jesus lived the most impactful life 00:15:57.250 --> 00:15:59.830 in history. Single, surrendered, and completely 00:15:59.830 --> 00:16:02.990 aligned with the Father's will. Second, Paul. 00:16:03.389 --> 00:16:06.649 As an apostle, missionary, and writer of much 00:16:06.649 --> 00:16:08.970 of the New Testament, Paul embraced singleness 00:16:08.970 --> 00:16:11.730 as a gift that gave him freedom to spread the 00:16:11.730 --> 00:16:14.509 gospel across the world. Number three, Miriam, 00:16:14.850 --> 00:16:18.730 the sister of Moses, a prophetess and worship 00:16:18.730 --> 00:16:22.320 litigator who played a crucial role in heeding 00:16:22.320 --> 00:16:26.059 the Israelites and celebrating God's deliverance. 00:16:26.559 --> 00:16:29.519 Mary Magdalene, a faithful follower of Jesus, 00:16:29.740 --> 00:16:32.600 entrusted with the honor of announcing his resurrection, 00:16:33.200 --> 00:16:35.259 one of the most important messages in history. 00:16:35.460 --> 00:16:39.039 Notice this. Their influence wasn't diminished 00:16:39.039 --> 00:16:41.460 because they were single. In fact, their singleness 00:16:41.460 --> 00:16:43.940 allowed them to focus fully on the mission God 00:16:43.940 --> 00:16:46.700 had for them. To worship, to lead, to teach, 00:16:46.960 --> 00:16:49.399 to serve. You don't need a spouse to live a life 00:16:49.399 --> 00:16:53.580 of eternal impact. You only need a healing heart 00:16:53.580 --> 00:16:56.620 and a surrendered spirit. Here are seven signs 00:16:56.620 --> 00:16:59.440 that suggest you might be thriving in singleness. 00:17:00.159 --> 00:17:02.960 Number one, you know your worth comes from God, 00:17:03.159 --> 00:17:06.269 not your relationship status. You don't need 00:17:06.269 --> 00:17:09.490 a relationship to prove your value. You know 00:17:09.490 --> 00:17:12.950 you are fully loved, fully seen, and fully chosen 00:17:12.950 --> 00:17:17.869 by God. Isaiah 43 .1 says, do not fear for I 00:17:17.869 --> 00:17:20.329 have redeemed you. I have summoned you by name. 00:17:20.430 --> 00:17:23.910 You are mine. You aren't chasing love to feel 00:17:23.910 --> 00:17:26.710 validated. You're walking in love because you 00:17:26.710 --> 00:17:30.269 already are. Number two, you are invested in 00:17:30.269 --> 00:17:33.619 your relationship with God. You're using this 00:17:33.619 --> 00:17:36.920 season to go deeper with Jesus, spending real 00:17:36.920 --> 00:17:39.440 time in the Word, prayer, and worship. James 00:17:39.440 --> 00:17:42.460 4 .8 says, come near to God and he will come 00:17:42.460 --> 00:17:45.000 near to you. Your faith isn't on pause until 00:17:45.000 --> 00:17:48.299 marriage. It's flourishing right now. Number 00:17:48.299 --> 00:17:51.859 three, you practice healthy boundaries. Thriving 00:17:51.859 --> 00:17:55.339 means you're not saying yes out of guilt, loneliness, 00:17:55.380 --> 00:17:58.519 or pressure. You protect your peace. You choose 00:17:58.519 --> 00:18:02.180 your relationships wisely. Friends dating family 00:18:02.180 --> 00:18:04.740 and you know that no is a holy word sometimes 00:18:04.740 --> 00:18:07.880 Proverbs 4 23 says above all else guard your 00:18:07.880 --> 00:18:11.039 heart for everything you do flows from it Number 00:18:11.039 --> 00:18:14.240 four you are building a life. You love you're 00:18:14.240 --> 00:18:18.519 pursuing passions hobbies education dreams You're 00:18:18.519 --> 00:18:22.319 exploring creating growing not waiting for someone 00:18:22.319 --> 00:18:25.680 else to complete you Colossians 3 23 says Whatever 00:18:25.680 --> 00:18:28.539 you do will work at it with all your heart as 00:18:28.539 --> 00:18:31.819 working for the Lord not for human masters Number 00:18:31.819 --> 00:18:34.720 five you were content, but honest you're able 00:18:34.720 --> 00:18:37.859 to say I'm content where God has me and I still 00:18:37.859 --> 00:18:42.420 have a desire for the future without shame bitterness 00:18:42.420 --> 00:18:46.200 or despair Philippians 4 11 through 12 says I 00:18:46.200 --> 00:18:49.559 have learned to be content Whatever the circumstances 00:18:49.559 --> 00:18:51.940 contentment doesn't mean the absence of longing 00:18:51.940 --> 00:18:55.109 it means the presence of peace number six You 00:18:55.109 --> 00:18:58.470 celebrate others without comparing. You can genuinely 00:18:58.470 --> 00:19:01.329 cheer when friends get engaged, married, or have 00:19:01.329 --> 00:19:04.430 kids without feeling less than. You know that 00:19:04.430 --> 00:19:07.789 their blessings don't subtract from yours. God's 00:19:07.789 --> 00:19:10.849 goodness is not in limited supply. Romans 12, 00:19:10.849 --> 00:19:14.109 15 says, rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn 00:19:14.109 --> 00:19:16.470 with those who mourn. Number seven, you live 00:19:16.470 --> 00:19:19.390 with open hands. You trust God with your future, 00:19:19.529 --> 00:19:22.630 whether that includes marriage or not. You live 00:19:22.630 --> 00:19:25.609 surrendered knowing that whatever he brings will 00:19:25.609 --> 00:19:29.990 be good because he is good Psalms 84 11 says 00:19:29.990 --> 00:19:32.630 no good thing does he withhold from those who 00:19:32.630 --> 00:19:35.369 walk is blameless At the end of the day we get 00:19:35.369 --> 00:19:37.890 to choose the question is what kind of season 00:19:37.890 --> 00:19:42.069 will I live in? Will I live disconnected inward 00:19:42.069 --> 00:19:46.109 and lonely or will I live full? lively with love 00:19:46.109 --> 00:19:48.779 and devotion to God and to others With the right 00:19:48.779 --> 00:19:51.200 perspective and meaningful things to pursue, 00:19:51.740 --> 00:19:54.180 you can and will live a fruitful, fulfilling, 00:19:54.400 --> 00:19:57.160 and content life as a single person however long 00:19:57.160 --> 00:19:59.619 this season lasts for you. Making the most of 00:19:59.619 --> 00:20:01.859 your season of singleness starts now. Alright, 00:20:02.359 --> 00:20:04.720 before we wrap up today's episodes, here's your 00:20:04.720 --> 00:20:07.299 challenge for the week. Do one thing this week 00:20:07.299 --> 00:20:10.500 that brings you joy in your singleness. It could 00:20:10.500 --> 00:20:13.319 be taking yourself out on a coffee date or signing 00:20:13.319 --> 00:20:16.069 up for a class you've always wanted to try. going 00:20:16.069 --> 00:20:18.309 on a hike and spending time with God and nature, 00:20:19.109 --> 00:20:21.529 hiding a list of 10 things you love about your 00:20:21.529 --> 00:20:24.529 current season, or hosting a dinner party with 00:20:24.529 --> 00:20:27.529 friends and celebrating community. The goal instead 00:20:27.529 --> 00:20:29.990 of seeing singleness as a season you're getting 00:20:29.990 --> 00:20:32.869 through, see it as a season you're living fully. 00:20:33.670 --> 00:20:35.910 Remember, your life isn't on hold. It's happening 00:20:35.910 --> 00:20:39.019 right now. Thank you for joining me on the Unfiltered 00:20:39.019 --> 00:20:41.079 Faith Podcast. If you enjoyed today's episode 00:20:41.079 --> 00:20:43.640 on singleness or know someone struggling in their 00:20:43.640 --> 00:20:45.599 season of singleness, please share it with them. 00:20:45.960 --> 00:20:47.900 I'd love to connect with you. Consider following 00:20:47.900 --> 00:20:50.359 me on Instagram at the Unfiltered Faith Podcast. 00:20:50.920 --> 00:20:53.339 Until next time, keep seeking those fresh perspectives 00:20:53.339 --> 00:20:55.660 and keep having those unfiltered conversations 00:20:55.660 --> 00:20:57.900 with someone to better understand the world around 00:20:57.900 --> 00:20:58.160 us.