Singleness: Living Faithfully

by Jenilyn Swett

Singleness is not a problem or a waiting period―it’s a place where many of us live, and it offers unique blessings, challenges, and opportunities. Writing as a fellow traveler, Jenilyn Swett turns to Scripture to show how our identity in Christ, paired with a robust theology of singleness, gives us a vision for the single life, no matter how short or long it may be. Daily readings reflect on practical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of faithful living as a single person. We are God’s children above all else―we find in him all the riches we need.

Genres: Christian

104 pages, Paperback

Published October 13, 2021

Reviews

[Anna Plybon · Rating 5 out of 5]

New favorite devo

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each day is just a short read, but full of thoughtful reminders and practical applications. I think it's a helpful read for almost anyone in the church. For single people (whether or not you're struggling with singleness) how to be faithful as a Christian generally, but also as a single Christian. For people who aren't single, how to comfort, encourage, and come alongside single people (& strive for faithfulness generally, too).

[Caroline McGill · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a lot of really really bad Christian resources on singleness out there. This is not one of them. I still think that the first book any single should read is Sam Allberry’s “7 Myths about Singleness” because it lays the foundation of theology for singleness. But after that book, I would recommend this one. It lends itself to daily soul care and is packed with a robust and truthful theology. And on top of that it is actually helpful! Which is rare in my opinion.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does God’s Word say for those who are single? In Living Faithfully, Jenilyn Swett gives us a 31-day devotional for the season of singleness.

The book begins by calling us to find our true identity in Christ. 1 John 3:1 tells us that we are called children of God. It defines us, and it is how our Heavenly Father sees us. And it reminds us that this impacts how we should live our lives.

The Body of Christ

When it comes to relationships, Swett reminds us that we belong to the body of Christ – the Church. Romans 12:4-5 reminds us that we are members of one another. Singleness allows us to prioritize and invest in our church family, and it also allows us to depend on them as we cultivate relationships centered on Jesus.

This book does not pass over the difficulties that are unique to singles. Throughout loneliness, rejection and heartbreak, and childlessness, we can mourn what was lost and lament to God. His Word tells us that we can trust in him at all times and pour out our heart before him. God heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

A Heavenly Wedding

Ultimately, our singleness sanctifies us. We are taught to wait well, we are called to bring our fear and anxiety to God, we are to preach to our self-pity, and we are to practice hospitality. We are exhorted towards sexual faithfulness, and we are reminded that we are still to rejoice with others and honor marriage.

The book reminds us that we are all waiting for a heavenly wedding. As the church, we look to Jesus. He is our focus. He is faithful. And we will forever live happily ever after.

I received a media copy of Living Faithfully and this is my honest review.

[Abigail · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of scriptural meditations on walking with God as an unmarried adult brings a unique perspective to Christian devotional writing, and it’s one that brings tremendous benefit to the church as a whole. As the numbers of unmarried adults rise higher and higher, the way we minister to and welcome single men and women in our congregations commands greater regard than ever before. Though I am married, I found myself humbled through this book, realizing how easily I can use aspects of life within my marriage to hide from invitations to sanctification and deeper intimacy with the Lord. Various chapters inspired me to cherish and encourage my single friends more specifically. I was also challenged to reconsider parts of my role as mother, particularly to not presume marriage when discussing my children’s future with them or others. In discipling young people (as a parent to children, or as a church member) we would all be wise to speak of the paths of both marriage and singleness as sacred and blessed. This book equips us to do just that.
In Singleness: Living Faithfully, Swett offers all readers - single or not - a tender hand to hold through vulnerable experiences of loneliness, disappointment, and confusion, leading them with a strong and hopeful vision of their place among God’s people and in his faithful care.

[Evan · Rating 3 out of 5]

read for future counseling and caring of others.

overall it seems like a helpful book. read other ppl's reviews as well. It did a good job in emphasizing involvement in the church body, and in encouraging the single person. it also had many areas where it challenged single people to live more faithfully

2 points of critique: I would strongly caution against the Wesley Hill endnote.
I was disappointed that Paul's main singleness passage was not really treated in full. that's where the scriptures are the most clear and most challenging for single people.

in light of that last critique, I think that this book is well suited for encouraging single people who are discouraged in their singleness; but it might not be a good fit for those who need or want to be challenged in their single lifestyle.

[Tara Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This life is not what I expected. I have wanted to be married for as long as I remember. Growing up, I figured I’d probably marry within a few years after college…” begins Jenilyn Swet in her life-giving introduction to the 31 day devotional “Singelness, Living Faithfully.”

Whether we are called to married life, singleness, sickness, health, plenty, or want, all of us, will at some point in our Christian life have to confront the question, “Is Jesus truly better?” Is our identity found in Jesus or something else? Does God care for us if He doesn’t give us what we want or think we need? How do we manage disappointment, loneliness, and lament? How do we approach church, marriage, friendship, loneliness, calling? Jenilyn delves deep into the heart of how these issues particularly manifest in the life of single Christians, and that is beautiful to see. But at the same time she points all of us—single or married—to the answer Scripture shouts: “Yes, Jesus really is better, and in Him, I truly find all I am meant to be.” She confronts head-on questions like, “Are Christian singles whole and valuable or somehow less in the Body of Christ?”, “How do I live a life of purity as a single person?”, and “What does it look like to honor marriage, family, and parenthood” as a single person? If you are a single person, these short, scriptural, God-honoring devotionals will point you toward your hope in Jesus. If you are married, you will be ministered to by Jenilyn as she draws alongside you and says, “Look at the beauty of Jesus.” And as a married member of the family of Christ, you will better equipped to love the single brothers and sister that Jesus has most certainly placed in your life and called you to welcome in His name. If you are wondering whether you should get this devotional, the answer is, “yes.” I love Jesus and His Word more for having read it.

[Chaylen Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m gonna be honest, I’m not a huge devo gal. But I really am thrilled to have walked through this one that is full of scriptural truths, without fluffy feel-good lies. Jenilyn has crafted a wonderful resource for anyone seeking to root their identity in Christ and in being a son of God, whether single or married.

I sincerely appreciate her honesty and real thoughts and feelings that she has endured throughout her life as a Christian woman, and I’m grateful to have these words to remind me that not only am I not alone as a human being in a season of singleness today because 1) my sister here shared her heart with similar fears and concerns, but also 2) because of Christ’s earthly ministry, who JL points us to over and over. He was alone and rejected by friends and family. He knew what it was to long and desire and lack…to be human. And while His understanding from experience l comforts, so does His BEING with us in it. God came to us, and He never leaves His children.

This book was quite encouraging and convicting to me, and I hope and am sure that it might be that for you too. In her conclusion, she shares that she hopes her daily readings has helped her reader know the Bible better, and I’d say yes it has. What more could you ask for?

[Nathan Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am thoroughly impressed with Jenilyn’s work in this book. Not only does it offer a wonderful testimony and powerful scripturally rooted case for faithfulness in singleness, this book is a great reminder of Biblical priorities and values for us married folk too! So much so, she could consider renaming it, or adding a tagline something like "Christian wholeness for all people" or "Living Faithfully: As Singles and..."

I truly appreciated how grounded in scripture this book is, especially without wading too far into related areas that may be open to more interpretation. While we disagree on some theological matters, I found almost nothing in this book I cannot wholeheartedly endorse.

[Jina · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's evident that the author has spent a lot of time with God - with all her feelings, thoughts, and honest questions. This book is a window into these moments she has shared with God and His people, and shows us how we too can cultivate this richness in our lives. In addition to caring for singles and guiding those to better minister to singles, this book is also a great tool for self-reflection for any person.

[Joseph Tee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a much-needed book on a topic that many in our churches have overlooked. Jenilyn writes with vulnerability with words that are saturated with the Scriptures. Moreover, this is a book that can speak cross-culturally that will benefit the Church around the world. Can't wait to read more from this gifted writer!

[Tingting Zhang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m thankful that God gives me a solid understanding of my identity in Christ, coupled with a robust theology of singleness. I’m aware that my singleness can serve as a blessing to others and I’ve actively been doing it. I’m content with my singleness and I’m blessed.
My hope is in the steadfast love of Christ. Keep running the race until the wedding day comes. 💕

[Ryan Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful sound devotional for singles. Will probably reread at some point.

[Chockletter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book!

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books on singleness I've ever read. A rare book geared towards older singles Christians.

[Yujin Oh · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet. deeply encouraged