1 Corinthians 7:36-40 - 36If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed, if his passions are strong, and it has to be, let him do as he wishes: let them marry—it is no sin. 37But whoever is firmly established in his heart, being under no necessity but having his desire under control, and has determined this in his heart, to keep her as his betrothed, he will do well. 38So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better. 39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. 40Yet in my judgment she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

In 1 Corinthians 7:36-40, the apostle Paul addresses the topic of marriage and provides guidance for those who are betrothed or considering marriage. He acknowledges that if someone's passions are strong and they feel they are not behaving properly toward their betrothed, it is not a sin for them to marry. However, Paul also commends those who have determined in their hearts to remain single and keep their betrothed as they are, stating that they will do well. He suggests that those who marry do well, but those who refrain from marriage do even better. Paul then turns his attention to the topic of remarriage for widows. He states that a wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives, but if her husband dies, she is free to remarry, but only in the Lord. However, Paul offers his judgment that a widow is happier if she remains unmarried. He believes that he too has the Spirit of God in this matter. Overall, this passage highlights the value of both marriage and singleness in the Christian life. Paul recognizes that marriage is a good and honorable institution, and that it is not a sin to marry, especially if one's passions are strong. At the same time, he also commends those who choose to remain single for the sake of devotion to God. For widows, Paul suggests that remaining unmarried may lead to greater happiness, but he also affirms their freedom to remarry within the faith community. Ultimately, the decision to marry or remain single is a matter of personal calling and conviction, guided by the leading of the Holy Spirit.

The topic of marriage is one that is deeply personal and often fraught with strong emotions and opinions. In this passage from 1 Corinthians, Paul offers a balanced and nuanced perspective that honors both the goodness of marriage and the value of singleness for the sake of the kingdom of God. For those who are betrothed or considering marriage, Paul's words offer both encouragement and caution. On one hand, he affirms that marriage is a good and honorable estate, and that it is not a sin to marry, especially if one's passions are strong and they feel they are not behaving properly toward their betrothed. This is a reminder that God created marriage as a gift and a blessing, and that it is a holy and sacred covenant between a man and a woman. At the same time, Paul also commends those who have determined in their hearts to remain single and keep their betrothed as they are. He suggests that those who refrain from marriage may be able to devote themselves more fully to the work of the Lord, without the distractions and responsibilities of family life. This is not to say that marriage is a lesser calling, but rather that singleness can also be a high and noble calling for those who are called to it. For those who are widowed, Paul's words offer both comfort and guidance. He affirms that a wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives, highlighting the permanence and sacredness of the marriage covenant. However, he also acknowledges that if a husband dies, his wife is free to remarry, but only within the faith community. This is a reminder that even in the midst of grief and loss, God's grace and provision are available to us, and that we are never alone. At the same time, Paul also offers his personal judgment that a widow may be happier if she remains unmarried. This is not a command or a requirement, but rather a suggestion based on his own experience and the leading of the Holy Spirit. It is a reminder that sometimes the path of greatest joy and fulfillment may not be the one that the world expects or understands. As we reflect on this passage, it is important to remember that ultimately, the decision to marry or remain single is a matter of personal calling and conviction. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and what may be right for one person may not be right for another. The key is to seek God's will and guidance, and to trust in his goodness and provision, whether we are called to marriage or singleness. May we all have the wisdom and discernment to know God's will for our lives, and the courage and faith to follow it, whatever it may be. May we honor and uphold the sacredness of marriage, while also affirming the value and dignity of singleness. And may we always remember that our ultimate hope and joy is found not in any earthly relationship, but in our eternal relationship with Christ.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of marriage, and for the way it reflects your love and commitment to us. We pray for all those who are betrothed or considering marriage, that they would seek your will and guidance, and that they would enter into this sacred covenant with joy, reverence, and faithfulness. We also lift up those who are called to singleness, whether for a season or for a lifetime. We pray that they would find their ultimate fulfillment and joy in you, and that they would use their gifts and talents to serve you and others with passion and purpose. For those who are widowed, we pray for your comfort and peace in the midst of grief and loss. We thank you for the promise of eternal life, and for the hope we have in Christ. May they find strength and encouragement in you, and may they know that they are never alone. Give us all the wisdom and discernment to know your will for our lives, and the courage and faith to follow it, whatever it may be. May we honor and uphold the sacredness of marriage, while also affirming the value and dignity of singleness. And may we always remember that our ultimate hope and joy is found in you alone. We pray all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.