Does the Bible talk about a Christian staying single?
The examples of the apostles show us that some were single (Paul, for example), some were married (Peter, for example), and some we aren’t told their marital status. Paul wrote the Corinthians that some people were gifted for singleness and some for marriage (1 Corinthians 7:7).
Paul wrote to the Corinthians during a time of trouble and persecution. He said, "I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is. Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife. But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that" (1 Corinthians 7:26–28).
Marrying is not a sin. Staying single is not a sin. God wants His people to live a life devoted to Him, regardless of marital status. Both marriage and singleness have advantages and disadvantages. Marriage is a gift and is highly lauded in the Bible. Marriage is the foundational family unit, a beautiful depiction of Christ and the church, the only appropriate venue for sexual activity, the means of procreation, and intended as a life-giving and encouraging partnership (Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:22–33; Hebrews 13:4). It involves great joy as well as great pain and sacrifice.
Singleness is also a gift; it is not a lesser status. Staying single does not imply that there is something wrong with the unmarried person or that he or she is somehow incomplete. In fact, if anything, the Bible seems to speak of singleness as a high calling. There can be great focus, freedom, and joy in being single. There can also be isolation and deep longing. Neither marriage nor singleness will shield a person from the hardships of life. Neither is a superior status or somehow more holy or Christian than the other. Again, the important thing for all is honoring God, which can be done married or single.
To seek God's guidance for your life, ask Him for wisdom (James 1:5). Also consider Romans 12:2: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Attempt to approach life with a godly perspective and ask Him to both guide and provide.
Whether married or single, God's will for you is to: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).
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