Finding a Mate Versus Staying Single, Pro and Con (part 3 of 3)

The Apostle Paul’s Concluding Thoughts

On Being Married as Opposed to Being Single

(1st Corinthians chapter 7, verses 25–40)

This week, regarding my chronological study of the writings of the apostle Paul, we’ll be finishing up 1st Corinthians chapter 7. I will be concluding this rather lengthy portion of Scripture, beginning at verse 25. Although some of Paul’s writing in this section may seem a little outdated or even antiquated on the surface, upon closer examination we will find that, when translated into modern English like I am about to do, this passage of Scripture is actually very applicable to modern life. I quote:

“Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. Because of the present crisis, I think it is good for you to remain as you are. Are you married? Do not seek a divorce. Are you unmarried? Do not look for a wife. But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this. What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none; those who mourn, as…