Single blessedness not a lonely life since God finds ways for single people to still be happy, says Billy Graham

Billy and Ruth Graham on their wedding day in this undated photo. (Facebook/Franklin Graham)

God wants Christians to enjoy marriage, and renowned American evangelist Billy Graham says God values the union between man and woman so much that the Bible even compares marriage to Christ's deep love for His people.

Ephesians 5:25 reads: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."

However, Graham understands that marriage is not for everybody, and there are some people who will go through life without a partner. It might be God's will for some people to remain single for the rest of their lives, but Graham assures everyone that single blessedness will not be a lonely life.

"Don't worry about [their] happiness. You can be confident that God will provide other ways for [their lives] to be fulfilled and happy. Yes, you experience happiness through being with your family and doing things with them—but [they] may have opportunities to do things and meet people you'll never be able to, because you simply don't have the time," Graham writes in an advice column for Crossmap.

He also wants people to remember that Jesus Himself was never married, nor was the Apostle Paul. "Paul, in fact, urged people not to enter marriage thoughtlessly or without being certain it was God's will. Marriage was indeed God's will for most-but for others singleness was best, so they could 'live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord,'" he explains.

For those who are concerned about friends or relatives who remain single, Graham encourages them to promote church involvement so that they have the opportunity to meet other single people in the ministry.

However, Graham advises people not to push marriage down their throats and respect others' decision to remain single.

related articles
Billy Graham: God cares about everything in our lives, including who\'ll be the next president
Billy Graham: God cares about everything in our lives, including who'll be the next president

Billy Graham: God cares about everything in our lives, including who'll be the next president

Billy Graham: For Christians, doing good deeds is not enough, and here\'s why
Billy Graham: For Christians, doing good deeds is not enough, and here's why

Billy Graham: For Christians, doing good deeds is not enough, and here's why

God\'s ways of helping His people differ in every situation, says Billy Graham
God's ways of helping His people differ in every situation, says Billy Graham

God's ways of helping His people differ in every situation, says Billy Graham

God loves even those who have drifted away from Him, says Billy Graham
God loves even those who have drifted away from Him, says Billy Graham

God loves even those who have drifted away from Him, says Billy Graham

People should be thankful all the time, not just on Thanksgiving, says Billy Graham
People should be thankful all the time, not just on Thanksgiving, says Billy Graham

People should be thankful all the time, not just on Thanksgiving, says Billy Graham

News
School facing backlash over Easter cancelation says it will celebrate, just not at church
School facing backlash over Easter cancelation says it will celebrate, just not at church

A primary school in the United Kingdom that faced criticism for cancelling its traditional Easter bonnet parade and church service, has announced plans to continue celebrating Easter but not at a local church in order to ensure “inclusivity.”

Christians respond after devastating Myanmar earthquake
Christians respond after devastating Myanmar earthquake

Christian humanitarian organisations are mobilising quickly to provide relief following a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar and parts of Thailand on Friday. 

Mel Gibson’s ‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ to begin filming in Italy this August
Mel Gibson’s ‘The Resurrection of the Christ’ to begin filming in Italy this August

Mel Gibson is set to return to the director’s chair for The Resurrection of the Christ, the long-awaited sequel to The Passion of the Christ.

Christian challenge VAT on private schools: 'There are no winners with this legislation'
Christian challenge VAT on private schools: 'There are no winners with this legislation'

Seven families have challenged the new VAT on school fees, claiming it discriminates against Christians and children with special educational needs (SEN).