Single blessedness not a lonely life since God finds ways for single people to still be happy, says Billy Graham

Billy and Ruth Graham on their wedding day in this undated photo. (Facebook/Franklin Graham)

God wants Christians to enjoy marriage, and renowned American evangelist Billy Graham says God values the union between man and woman so much that the Bible even compares marriage to Christ's deep love for His people.

Ephesians 5:25 reads: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her."

However, Graham understands that marriage is not for everybody, and there are some people who will go through life without a partner. It might be God's will for some people to remain single for the rest of their lives, but Graham assures everyone that single blessedness will not be a lonely life.

"Don't worry about [their] happiness. You can be confident that God will provide other ways for [their lives] to be fulfilled and happy. Yes, you experience happiness through being with your family and doing things with them—but [they] may have opportunities to do things and meet people you'll never be able to, because you simply don't have the time," Graham writes in an advice column for Crossmap.

He also wants people to remember that Jesus Himself was never married, nor was the Apostle Paul. "Paul, in fact, urged people not to enter marriage thoughtlessly or without being certain it was God's will. Marriage was indeed God's will for most-but for others singleness was best, so they could 'live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord,'" he explains.

For those who are concerned about friends or relatives who remain single, Graham encourages them to promote church involvement so that they have the opportunity to meet other single people in the ministry.

However, Graham advises people not to push marriage down their throats and respect others' decision to remain single.

related articles
Billy Graham: God cares about everything in our lives, including who\'ll be the next president
Billy Graham: God cares about everything in our lives, including who'll be the next president

Billy Graham: God cares about everything in our lives, including who'll be the next president

Billy Graham: For Christians, doing good deeds is not enough, and here\'s why
Billy Graham: For Christians, doing good deeds is not enough, and here's why

Billy Graham: For Christians, doing good deeds is not enough, and here's why

God\'s ways of helping His people differ in every situation, says Billy Graham
God's ways of helping His people differ in every situation, says Billy Graham

God's ways of helping His people differ in every situation, says Billy Graham

God loves even those who have drifted away from Him, says Billy Graham
God loves even those who have drifted away from Him, says Billy Graham

God loves even those who have drifted away from Him, says Billy Graham

People should be thankful all the time, not just on Thanksgiving, says Billy Graham
People should be thankful all the time, not just on Thanksgiving, says Billy Graham

People should be thankful all the time, not just on Thanksgiving, says Billy Graham

News
Indian Christians denounces crackdown on property
Indian Christians denounces crackdown on property

There has been an alleged crackdown on Christian buildings providing services for the most vulnerable in society.

Belgian broadcaster apologises over video showing destruction of Christian statues
Belgian broadcaster apologises over video showing destruction of Christian statues

A Belgian radio station has apologised after a video segment showing presenters smashing statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary drew criticism and sparked questions about respect for Christian beliefs.

Boko Haram kills 10 Christians in northeast Nigeria
Boko Haram kills 10 Christians in northeast Nigeria

Members of Islamic extremist group Boko Haram on Monday killed at least 10 Christians in an attack on a village in Borno state, Nigeria, sources said.

King Charles faces criticism for declining to issue Easter message
King Charles faces criticism for declining to issue Easter message

King Charles' decision not to release an Easter message this year has been criticised by some Christians.