We would question, who is the “they” who says there is someone for everyone? The concept of a “soul mate” has Pagan origins, traced to Plato’s “Symposium” in which one of the characters Aristophanes tells a “comic, fantastical story about how humans were at one time two people conjoined, but this was seen as threatening to the gods, so Zeus cut everyone in half just like fish is cut in two parts. Love is the desire we have to find our other half, in order to become whole.” (source: Wikipedia) This is clearly not the scriptural reality.

God’s providence overruled in certain cases for particular reasons, such as with Adam and Eve, Isaac and Rebekah and Ruth and Boaz. However, we have free will to choose our spouses (certain societies and customs notwithstanding). Choosing a spouse should be done with utmost care and consideration. The Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 6: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?”

The root word translated “yoke” in the New Testament is always tied to a committed relationship (meaning there are two parties) that requires effort. 

A union between a believer and an unbeliever is bound to make the Christian’s life of sacrifice more difficult since the unbeliever’s objectives will be influenced by the world, whereas the Christian’s life will be totally God-centered as he/she strives to follow in the footsteps of His son Jesus.

Marriage is the highest and most sacred relationship God gave to mankind, so much so that He saw fit to seal this relationship with a covenant made in His presence, “So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:6). In context, Jesus was answering the Pharisees’ questions about careless divorce by referring them back to the first institution of marriage.

However, marriage is not required in order to be “complete” as human beings. The Apostle Paul provides insights into why remaining single is a scriptural consideration:

1 Corinthians 7:28, 32-35, 39-40 (New Living Translation) “28 But if you do get married, it is not a sin. And if a young woman gets married, it is not a sin. However, those who get married at this time will have troubles, and I am trying to spare you those problems. 32 I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. 33 But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. 34 His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. 35 I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible. 39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. If her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but only if he loves the Lord. 40 But in my opinion it would be better for her to stay single, and I think I am giving you counsel from God’s Spirit when I say this.”

Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1014: “Christian and Single – What Does Life Look Like?”
Being single and living a powerful and passionate Christian life!
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CQ Rewind Show Notes