I’ve recently discovered St. Paul as one of my new favorite saints. He’s amazing. He answers you. He was one of the most thoroughly converted men in the New Testament. He had boldness. He was a missionary. He died as a martyr. He went to prison, and he rejoiced in prison! How does one do that? He is an eloquent writer. He would have been extremely well-educated. He might have been classified as a terrorist before his conversion. My patron saint, St. Stephen was instrumental in his conversion, as he prayed for his persecutors as he died (One of which was St. Paul before his conversion). St. Paul has written some of the most beautiful letters in the New Testament and he has much to teach us singles. I’ve included a few of the verses from the Bible that are applicable to singles.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say it rejoice.” Philippians 4:4
Many think that St. Paul wrote the book of Philippians from prison. What is incredible about this book is the use of the word “joy” as it is used sixteen times or more. St. Paul was a joyful Christian. But, his joy did not depend on external circumstances, his joy came from the knowledge that God loved Him, that he knew God, and that he knew he would eventually be with God in heaven if he ran a good race. Paul also shared the Gospel with those who imprisoned him. As singles, we can and should be joyful during this time of our lives!
“I have the strength for everything through Christ who empowers me.” Phil 4:13
I love this verse from St. Paul. As singles, we should know that God does give us the strength to do whatever He calls us to do.
“…if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” Phil 4:8
This verse reminds me that our God is a very positive God and that our thought lives are important. It is important to dwell on what is good, in ourselves, in others, in our world.
“We know that all things work together for the good according to those who love God.” Romans 8:28
Breakups, betrayals, loneliness, broken engagements…. All of these can be a part of the life of the single person. St. Paul teaches us that God can use all of these things and bring something good out of each of them. God can even make us into saints in the process.
“Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord.” Rom 12:11
This verse reminds me that as singles, it is important to use our time well to be developing our characters. We can be serving others with our time, becoming better people. Becoming the saints God calls us to be.
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thess 5:17
Use your time of singleness to develop a prayer life with the one who loves you more than anyone else. A Carmelite cloistered nun once shared with me that each of us will be married to God in heaven. Start to build that relationship now.
“My God will supply all of my needs.” Phil 4:19
God will take care of us singles.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, Who is in you, Whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a great price, therefore, honor God with your bodies.” 1 Cor 19:20
This verse reminds me to honor God with my body, to say no to sin, to work at building the virtue of chastity, to honor and respect others also. St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body is all about speaking the truth with our bodies and not telling lies with our bodies, using our bodies to honor and worship God.
“I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you.” Eph 3: 16, 17
God is the King of Kings and the owner of it all. There is nothing He cannot do.
“For those who are led by the Spirit are the children of God.” Rom 8:14
This is who I am. This is who St. Paul is. As a single, I am a child of God. So are you. Princes and princesses in the kingdom of God. Loved infinitely by an incredibly merciful and loving Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
