Allow scripture to inspire you

So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows—it’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am. But if they can’t control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It’s better to marry than to burn with lust. 1 CORINTHIANS 7:8 NLT
Not everyone can accept this statement, Jesus said. Only those whom God helps… some choose not to marry for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let anyone accept this who can. MATTHEW 19:11-12 NLT
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 2 TIMOTHY 4:3-4 NLT

Invite God to be with you

Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” GENESIS 2:18 NLT
(Jesus said ) I am not alone. The Father who sent me is with me. JOHN 8:16 NLT
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. REVELATION 3:20 NLT
Repent of my sins → Believe In Jesus → God will be with me

Jesus is with me personally through his church.

You are members of God’s family. EPHESIANS 2:19 NLT *
I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning. *2 JOHN 5 NLT
Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 TIMOTHY 2:22 NLT
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God… Stay away from people like that! 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5 NLT

Fill your life with purpose

I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.
1 CORINTHIANS 7:32-35 NLT

Community Group Discussion Guide

1. What does God say about being single and how does this inspire you?
2. Read 1 Corinthians 7:8. Why do you think Paul says that it is better to remain single if you can control yourself? What are your thoughts on the apostle Paul saying that it is better to be single? How has this made an impact on your life?
3. How does this verse fit with how the church and culture typically treat singles? Do you see a difference in the way the church and the way our culture treats singles?
4. As Christians, we worship Jesus, who never got married and remained single, and he encouraged his followers to be single. How can we as a church honor singles in light of Jesus’ life of singleness?
5. All of us feel lonely at times. Describe a situation in which your relationship with God reduced your loneliness.
6. Paul challenges all Christians to serve God without distraction. What are some things that tend to distract you from serving God and how can you remove or get past those distractions?

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place free from distractions. Breathe deeply a few times, releasing each breath slowly. Think about the people that you live and spend time with. Reflect on how they they add comfort and relief to your life, and some distraction. Now, as you sit with God, reflect on what it means to be alone with God. Ask God what would have to change in your life, for him to be enough, even if you had no one else. How might God be inviting you to a more intimate relationship with him? Carry this with you as you move through your week.