In my last post, I shared several ways couples can bless their single friends. Today I’d like to explore several ways singles can bridge the gaps between other life stage groups as well. Whether deserved or undeserved, singles often have the reputation of being self-focused. However, singles can take steps to live generously with their time, money, and resources. I believe this can be done in four main ways.
1: Service
Singles have the great benefit of setting their own schedules and committing to projects without worrying how it will impact their family schedule. Serving others requires nothing but time and a heart to be a blessing. Several ways that singles can serve other life stage groups include:
- Volunteering at church
- Housecleaning for senior citizens
- Making freezer meals for a new mom
- Ministering as a youth leader
- Doing yard work for a person with disabilities
The possibilities for service are endless. With prayer and a little open-eyed effort, God will provide singles areas of service that fit them well.
2: Sacrifice
Sacrifice is a scary word, but it doesn’t have to be. Think of it as a challenge. In what way can singles take service to the next level? Remember that living generously includes time, money, and resources. What resources can singles share with someone else?
- Visit house bound or nursing home bound individuals
- Be a Big Brother or Big Sister mentor
- Organize a fundraiser for a cancer patient
- Teach senior citizens how to connect with their families through social media
- Take a group of children berry picking
- Sponsor a child through Compassion International
Singles may not have a lot of money to give, or a lot of time to spare, but with a little creativity they can make great sacrifices for the kingdom.
In what way can singles take service to the next level? Click To Tweet3: Solidarity
Singles are often alone and lonely, but they don’t have to be. It seems natural for a married couple to be hospitable, but in Scripture, many singles opened their homes as well. Having a home need not be a prerequisite either. All singles need is a public space and a desire to connect.
- Start a book club
- Lead a Bible study
- Host a game or movie night
- Organize a picnic at a local park
- Take a group of teens bowling
- Organize a Mom’s Night Out
The key here is to go beyond a comfortable group of friends. Cross those life stage lines and bridge those generational gaps!
4: Sincerity
I recently discussed this in the post Handwritten Inspiration, but the power of words cannot be overstated. Singles can take initiative to bless those around them with the spoken or written word and change a life for the better. Words of kindness have been known to impact the direction of a child’s future or prevent suicide. Singles can spread seeds of kindness through:
- Thank you notes
- Written prayers
- Letters of appreciation
- Celebrating people in thankless jobs
Go beyond the like button and tweet. Grab a stack of notecards and a pen and make a difference in someone’s life today!
If we are to be an active, healthy body of Christ we must find ways to serve each other. We must break down the comfortable walls life stages naturally erect. There are no marital boundaries on generosity and hospitality. Singles can and should take the first step in bridging the social gaps in the church. Helping others is what being the body of Christ is all about.
If we are to be an active, healthy body of Christ we must find ways to serve each other. Click To TweetThe above are only a few suggestions out of innumerable ways singles can actively bless those around them. What ways have you been a blessing as a single or have received a blessing from a single? Leave a comment below to join the conversation.