The grand picture is often hidden in the everyday smallness, thanks for the reminder, Jean.

I also think God’s brilliant, powerful, mercy shines in the “godly” line, considering it is such a scandalous one (especially the women!).

That God makes a habit of blessing the weak, unlikely and wicked is heartening. He will use our good and bad mothering days for Jesus’ kingdom. 

Thanks as always Jean.

Hi Jessica!

That’s an excellent question!

In many ways, God’s plan for single women is the same as for single men. They are both free from the divided interests of married women and mothers - free from “concern about the affairs of this world” - free to serve Christ with “undivided devotion” (1 Cor 7:32-35).

But I do think that single women have a unique role to play that is different from single men. God has made women different, with different roles and strengths. Women are made with a focus on <i>relationships</i> (Gen 2-3). So even when women work (single or married, mums or not) they will generally (and rightly) be less focussed on work and more focussed on relationships than men.

Being a woman affects our disposition and the sphere in which we serve God. A married mum serves Christ primarily in the sphere of marriage, motherhood and home, and uses these as a base to reach out to others. But this has implications for single women too.

We’ll be helpers as we support male leaders in the church. We’ll try to have a respectful attitude as we relate to men. Most women will also be more nurturing than most men, because that’s the way we’re made, and this will express itself in care for others inside and outside the church, adults and/or children. Women also often have a greater emphasis on hospitality in their ministries than many men, again because that’s the way we’re made.

I’m aware that I’ve skated across the surface of some very tricky issues here! Like you, I’ve found this topic a challenging one! Please ask me more questions if you’d like to go deeper, or tell me what you think!

In Christ,

Jean.