Over the past few months, I have met individuals who tragically lost a significant other. One of these individuals is a man who shared that he recently lost his wife of 24 years. She experienced a slow, painful death due to complications with diabetes. He told me, “Some people tell me it was part of God’s plan. But if there is a God, then why would something like this happen?”

My heart broke when I heard him share his story and its details. I can’t imagine the pain of losing a lifelong companion. When I hear tragic stories of people dying, grieving a loss, suffering drug addiction/alcoholism, experiencing sexual abuse, or contemplating suicide, I mourn. My heart grieves even more knowing that some of these people don’t know the hope of the gospel. At any moment, they can possibly die without Christ. What is 80+ years of your best life on earth now compared to eternity in hell?

“The needs of these people press upon my soul, and I cannot be silent. It is grievous to think of these human souls going down to death without even one opportunity of hearing the name of Jesus.”  — Lottie Moon

When I witness the brokenness of this fallen world, a lingering truth convicts me that the world shouldn’t be this way. I despise the power of sin and death. This righteous hatred of the Enemy’s work point me to the heart of the Christian faith— the victorious resurrection of Christ. This gives me a deeper appreciation for the One in whom I have salvation, the One who takes my shame and sin and exchanges it for His righteousness.

In the past few Valentine’s Days, I’ve felt the disappointment and heartache from a long-term relationship that never worked out. I know deep down what hopelessness is like. Maybe some of you reading this have experienced the end of a long-term relationship, have been cheated on, have been betrayed in some way, or even feel shame from regretful decisions.

My prayer is that you would not waste your life or let your minds conform to a world that doesn’t value the kingdom of God. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul writes that he desires the unmarried and widows to remain as they are, but then tells believers to secure their undivided devotion to the Lord in every season. The world today may severely disesteem people who are barren/sterile, disabled, widowed, and single and even deem them as useless– a lie that can easily invade the church. But God does not see what shallow man sees. God sees these people as vessels of His glory.

Whether you are single or in a relationship, you have a beautiful opportunity to share the good news to a hurting person and be wholeheartedly devoted to Christ. I pray that you see your infinitely valuable role as a single person and share the gospel to those who may not have another tomorrow to live.

“The world doesn’t value the kingdom of God, so don’t let it dictate how you feel about singleness.” – Wholeheartedly Devoted (Bible study and devotional from NatalieMetLewis)

• Written by Jennica Mendoza