DAILY TEXT, Today Wednesday December 28, Jesus told them: "Not everyone can keep these words, only those who have the gift" (Matt. 19:11).

DAILY TEXT, Jesus told them: “Not everyone can keep these words, only those who have the gift” (Matt. 19:11).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022

Wednesday December 28

Jesus told them: “Not everyone can keep these words, only those who have the gift” (Matt. 19:11).

In our congregations, there are not only married couples and families with children, but also many brothers and sisters who are not married. How should we see these single brothers? Let's review what Jesus thought of singleness. When he was on Earth, he remained unmarried and devoted all his time and attention to his ministry. He never taught that it was obligatory for Christians to marry or remain single. But he did say that some Christians would choose not to marry (Matt. 19:12). He respected those who were not married and did not think that they were inferior or that something was missing in their lives. Like Jesus, the apostle Paul was a single minister of God. He never taught that it was wrong to get married. He knew that this was a personal matter. w20.08 35:7-8.

What can we say about marriage and singleness?

Neither Jesus nor Paul taught that it was obligatory to marry or remain single. So what can we say about marriage and singleness? The Watchtower of October 1, 2012 put it well: “Actually, both states can be considered a gift from God. […] As for singleness, Jehovah does not see that state as a source of pain and shame.” It is clear that we must respect the place of singles in the congregation.

How can we show that we respect single siblings?

How can we show that we respect the feelings and circumstances of single siblings? We must remember that some Christians are single by personal choice. Others would like to get married, but have not found the right person. Others may have been widowed. Whatever the case, we should not ask them why they are not married or offer to help them find a partner. Sure, some may ask us for help. But, if not, before offering ourselves, let's think about how we would make them feel (1 Thes. 4:11; 1 Tim. 5:13). Let's see what some of them have said.

How could we inadvertently discourage singles?

A single circuit overseer who takes care of his assignment very well finds that being single has many advantages. But he says that he sometimes feels discouraged when some brothers ask him why he hasn't married, even if they do it with good intentions. A single brother serving at a branch recounts: “Sometimes I get the feeling that some brothers feel sorry for singles, as if singleness is a burden and not a gift.”

A single sister serving at Bethel explains: “Some brothers assume that all singles want to get married or that they see every social gathering as an opportunity to find a mate. On one occasion, they sent me to do a job in another part of the country and I arrived one night when there was a meeting. The sister I was going to stay with told me that in her congregation there were two brothers my age. She assured me that she was not trying to find me a boyfriend, but as soon as we entered the Kingdom Hall she grabbed me and she led me to where the two brothers were to introduce them to me. How embarrassing for the three of us!"

What encouraged a single sister?

Another single serving at Bethel says: “I know single pioneers of a certain age who are well-rounded and self-sacrificing, who are focused and happy in their service, and who contribute a lot to their congregation. They do not go to extremes: they do not feel superior for being single or inferior for not being married or having children. How nice it is to be in a congregation where one is respected and valued, where no one is pitied or envied, and where no one is ignored or put on a pedestal. Everyone feels loved.

How do we show that we respect singles?

Our single brothers appreciate that instead of judging them for their situation, we value them for their good qualities. Let's not feel sorry for them. Rather, let us value your faithfulness. If we do, they will never feel as if we are saying “I don't need you” (1 Cor. 12:21). Instead, they will know that we respect them and that we value their place in the congregation.

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