SHEPHERDS OF THE LOST

Spiritual Gift: Celibacy

WHAT IS The Gift of CELIBACY?

The gift of celibacy is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to voluntarily remain single without regret and with the ability to maintain control over sexual impulses so as to serve the Lord without distraction.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES FOR this Gift

Tap each verse to read it. Unless otherwise noted, all scriptures are in the English Standard Version.

MATTHEW 19:10-12

The disciples said to him, “If such is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.” 11 But he said to them, “Not everyone can receive this saying, but only those to whom it is given. 12 For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let the one who is able to receive this receive it.”

1 CORINTHIANS 7:7-8

I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.

8 To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am.


IN THE GREEK

EUNOUCHOS

Strong's Number: 2135
One who voluntarily abstains from marriage.


SUGGESTED POTENTIAL STRENGTHS & CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS GIFT

  • Remains single so as to be able to devote themselves completely to ministry.
  • Independence can allow more availability to move and act quickly as the Lord commands.
  • May be able to use other gifts more effectively because they are celibate.
  • Enjoys committing wholeheartedly to projects or responsibilities.
  • Seeks to form life-giving friendships and experiences genuine concern and care for others.
  • Finds joy in spending time alone with the Lord and often experiences deep feelings of completeness in His presence.
  • Sensitive to loneliness and needs for friendship in others.
  • May feel call towards full-time ministry pursuits.


SUGGESTED POTENTIAL WEAKNESSES & WARNINGS OF THIS GIFT

  • Can be a lonely gift; no spouse or biological children.
  • Very little physical contact with other people.
  • Mistakes singleness for this gifting; calls involuntary singleness “celibacy” for spiritual attention.
  • If lacking in relationships, may make overwhelming demands on the time of others.
  • May develop characteristics in their independent state that must be kept “in check” by close friends.
  • May struggle with insecurity or feelings of being “unwanted.”
  • Misunderstanding from other family or Christian brothers and sisters who don’t understand singleness.

SUGGESTED WAYS TO SERVE BASED ON THIS GIFT

  • Boards & Committees Member
  • Prayer Group Member
  • Missions Work
  • Men's/Women's Ministries
  • Youth Ministries
  • Children's Ministries
  • Discipleship
  • Greeter
  • Usher
  • Church Office Work
  • Small Group Leader
  • Mentoring/Sponsorship
  • Prison/Jail Visitation
  • Prison/Jail Correspondent
RETURN TO FULL GIFT LISTING

*The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016).
Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

 

The New American Standard Version (NASB).
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation