Then here are some questions to discuss:
Let’s start by defining what the gift of celibacy is. Go read Matthew 19:11-12. Based on what you have just read, how would you define the gift of celibacy?
Having the gift of celibacy is still quite rare. So why would it be good for a person to know whether (or not) they have the gift of celibacy? What is the point of knowing if we have this gift or not?
A person can say that he has the gift of generosity, when deep down he is only incapable of saving. A person may say that he has the gift of administration, when deep down he is only controlling. In the same way, someone might say that they have the gift of celibacy, when deep down, their comfort in being alone hides an ugly flaw. What could be hiding behind the desire to be alone?
Behind the desire to stay alone could hide the fear of falling in love. Either because they don’t trust themselves, because of bad choices they made in the past; or either because they were hurt in a previous relationship and they are afraid of being hurt again. How can we identify fears that could paralyze us?
Read 1 John 4:18-19. In this verse it says that love casts out fear. How can God’s love erase our fears of entering into relationships?
Other singles say they are happy alone because no one is perfect enough for them. This is pride and we must fight this sin. How do we know if we are proud? How can we develop humility and compassion in our lives?
Read Genesis 2:18. If women were looking for a partner by asking themselves “who is the one I would like to help every day?”, what would that change in their list of criteria? And for men: Read Ephesians 5:29. If men were looking for a partner by asking themselves “who is the woman I would like to care for as Christ cares for me?”, how would that change the list of criteria?
Other singles say they are lonely because they don’t feel like making the effort to meet someone. Do you find that it takes a lot of effort to look for a partner? What is the most difficult part of the whole process, what requires the most effort?
If you want to be in a relationship, but are discouraged by the effort it takes to meet other people, what could you do to overcome this form of laziness?
Just as a couple can choose to abstain from each other for a specific period of time for spiritual purposes (1 Corinthians 7:5), it is also possible to choose to remain single for a specific period. What would be a reasonable reason to choose to remain single for a period of time? And how long should this period be (so as not to miss the blessing that God has for us)?
Some prayer points to conclude:
Ask the Holy Spirit to confirm to us whether we indeed have the gift of singleness, or whether we need to change something in our life to move toward this promise.
Ask forgiveness for fears, pride or laziness.
… And of course, please pray for Passion374! Thank you!
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