Single and Married

Extract from 1 Corinthians 7

What does Paul's inspired message about being single and married really say. 

It is the same thing to be married or as to be single. No status is more than the other. So whatever status people choose don't condemn them or want them to become like you. Choose a status that suit you.

Paul prefers to be single because there was too much pressure in this world, marriage further complicates it.

If you are single and can hold your body, remain single. If you can't please don't deceive yourself, get married.

If you are married and you deny your spouse of marital right of sex, you violate the whole essence of marriage.

Abstinence from sex should be a joint decision not for one person to decide.

Being married does not make you less spiritual than being single.

When your social,  economic ,  political,  marriage activities honour God, they constitute part of spiritual activities.

When you are married, remain so until the death of the other person. If your spouse divorce you,  you are free to remarry but don't be the first to choose the option of divorce.

When you are a second wife don't seek divorce because doing that does not change your status. If your husband divorce you, you are free. If you are a man with two wives  or more wives before conversion don't divorce your others wives because you became a Christian.If any of your wives divorce you,  you are free.

If you make a vow of celibacy,  but you discover you can't cope please marry.

If you are a widow, try and stay celibate but if you can't cope remarry.

There is room for temporary separation to get things sorted out in marriage but seek  reconciliation as soon as possible. Remarrying complicate your life when your  spouse is still alive.

You can divorce but don't remarry if you voluntarily do.

The decision to be celibate or married comes with consequences, so count the cost of each and choose