I Corinthians 7

“But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that” (7). Paul explained to the Corinthians, who thought that a certain kind of life was automatically more holy (1), that both marriage and singleness could honor God. Everyone, even slaves (21-24), could live as people dedicated to Jesus. Pushing against cultural norms, Paul urged slaves to seek freedom if possible (21), but he also reminded them that in the Lord, they were already free (22).

Rather than thinking that holiness or radical devotion to the Lord is for a few unique people in special circumstances, Jesus calls us all to live as His disciples “in whatever situation” we find ourselves (17).