1 Corinthians 7:32-40 (NRSV)*
Paul on marriage
Wow! Today’s scripture is a wonderful reminder that God does not desire any of us to be anxious about our relationship status. In today’s culture everyone is always encouraged to make the “hook up.” If you are single, and of marital age, it is generally assumed that you are looking for a mate, or that something is wrong with you.
Today’s scripture reminds us that there is a blessing and a ministry in being single and fully dedicated to the Lord in body, mind, and spirit and there is a blessing in the ministry of marriage where you are a lover of God first and spouse a very close second. In each of these states, single or married, we have the wonderful opportunity to be a living epistle—and example to others—about what the love of God unfettered looks like.
So here’s the GOOD NEWS! When we love Jesus, whether we are married or single, God is able to use our lives, our living, and our holy example to bear witness to the Truth. And what is this truth? Simply put, there is no greater love than the love that God has revealed to us in Christ Jesus. In choosing to die for us—out of great love for us--Jesus showed us once and for all what real love looks like.
So, if you are a single person, live into that great love and share it with others with wild abundance! If you are a married person, let your light shine as you love your partner well. Your godly example will prove to the world once and for all that real love—true love—is possible and that some stories really do end happily ever after…
How can you allow your status as a single or married person to be used by God today as a bold testimony to God’s great love?
Holy God, you reveal yourself to us in so many ways. Today, please reveal to us your love as we behold the many different relationships that you have called us into. We want everything about our lives to bear witness to the Truth--which is that you love us! Help us to boldly and ridiculously share this GOOD NEWS with others. Amen.
*The entire scripture reading for today can be found by clicking the ELCA Daily Bible Reading Tab to the right.
*from Pastor Yolanda Lehman's blog http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/
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