Single people, I say this in love: If you post about “Singles Awareness Day” tomorrow, then congrats – You STINK at being single. I get it. I’m single, too, and the Hallmark-made holiday can get us down when we see so many love-struck couples posting dreamy snapshots of romantic dates. But what I’ve discovered – and I hope you can embrace, too – is that God wants to use THIS season for His incredible plan, so let’s not waste our time wishing away our singleness.
Here’s 3 ways how NOT to stink at being single:
Discover God’s love for you.
There’s someone of infinite importance before whom mountains bow and oceans roar who knows your name and desires a love relationship with you. You don’t have to ‘clean yourself up’ for him or prove you’re worthy of his love. He finds you absolutely lovable and won’t yank away His love if you screw things up. 1 John 4:10 says, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” When God decided to love you, he went all in. If you turn to God from living life your way and trust Jesus as your Leader and Forgiver, you can have that love (learn more HERE)! His love is greater than anything this world can ever offer.
Give grace.
Yes, someone may unknowingly say something that stings or insults you as a single person. “Man, it must be nice to not have to spend so much money for Valentine’s Day!” Ouch. Walk back your desire to strangle that person. Because, honestly…the chances are high that you will say something by mistake that will sting or insult a married couple, a lady who can’t get pregnant or a person ravaged by a messy divorce. We’re all broken and need grace from each other. So next time someone remarks, “You know, when you commit your singleness to God and have peace, He’s going to give you somebody!”, respond with grace because that person probably cares about you and is just trying to help.
Love extravagantly.
Who says you have to be dating or married to take advantage of February 14th? The world is your oyster! Go and surprise someone with sacrificial and extravagant love. Use the excuse to visit with a friend. Take your parent out for dinner. Serve at a food bank or shelter for the less fortunate. Galatians 5:13 says, “ For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Christ has set us free, and you can choose to love extravagantly and change a person’s life as a result.
You don’t have to dread Valentine’s Day this year. And you don’t have to stink at being single. God wants to use this season to do more within you than you can ask or imagine. Trust Jesus on this – He’s got your best in mind.