Single and Not Sorry: Devotions of Real Encouragement for Right NowНамуна

No Advice Necessary

There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

PROVERBS 12:18 NASB

Not all advice is good advice. As a single woman, you’ll receive all sorts of words of encouragement or well-meaning suggestions aimed at your relationship status. But the truth is, some of this advice will be untrue and unhelpful, and you do not need to accept it or agree with it. Even if you respect or admire the one providing you with guidance, you don’t have to redirect your heart based on their words. Your singleness, and God’s plan for your love life, do not sway to the advice of others.

If you’ve heard: “God will bring the right person as soon as you stop looking!”

Remember this: Your desire to be in a relationship is not a bad thing. You do not need to tamp it down in order to dwell in God’s plan for you and your future relationships. God will bring the right person into your life if and when the time is right.

If you’ve heard: “You have to love yourself first before someone can love you.”

Remember this: While loving yourself and knowing your worth is extremely important, it is not a precursor for any relationship. God loves you when you don’t love yourself, and so do your friends and family.

If you’ve heard: “You’ve got to put yourself out there more.”

Remember this: You are not obligated to be either in pursuit of or in a relationship at any point in time. It is more important to look inside yourself and determine your desire and where you feel God has called you than to force yourself into the dating scene when you aren’t interested or ready.

It all comes down to this: You do not have to accept advice that feels discouraging, unhelpful, or makes you feel guilty and weird. While you are single, there will be those who offer rash advice. Surround yourself instead with words that bring healing and life, no matter your relationship status.

Right Now Reminder:

It’s okay to reject advice that doesn’t serve you or feel right to you. Your journey as a single woman is unique, and no one knows what you need better than you and God.